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Monday, October 19, 2026English edition
The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Iraq · Country watch

Iraq Boosts Oil Exports, Bank Sanctioned by US

Iraq increases oil exports to 3.4 million barrels per day, while a major Iraqi bank faces US sanctions for alleged Iran sanctions evasion.

The picture Mixed

Iraq's business environment is mixed today: oil exports rise, boosting revenue, but US sanctions on a major bank create financial uncertainty. The CBI's currency replacement system improves efficiency.

In this briefing International Development Bank for Investment and Finance · US Department of the Treasury · Central Bank of Iraq · Brent Crude · Basim Khudair · Iraq

Regulation

  • Finance

US sanctions Iraq's International Development Bank

The US Department of the Treasury has sanctioned the International Development Bank for Investment and Finance (IDB) in Iraq, as reported by Iraq Business News. The sanctions are part of a broader operation targeting Iran's international financial networks. IDB was designated under Executive Order 13902 for its alleged involvement in the Iranian financial sector.

Impact Lenders and clients of IDB face increased scrutiny and potential disruptions due to US sanctions.

Sources: Iraq Business News ↗

  • Finance
  • Technology

Iraq's Central Bank launches damaged currency replacement

The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has launched a new electronic system for replacing damaged banknotes, according to Iraq Business News. Citizens can now submit replacement requests online through the Ur portal. This system aims to streamline the process and improve efficiency in handling damaged currency.

Impact Banks and individuals handling damaged currency benefit from a streamlined replacement process.

Sources: Iraq Business News ↗

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

  • Energy

Brent crude falls 1.8% but remains above $100

Brent crude oil prices fell by 1.8% but stayed above $100 per barrel, according to PUKmedia Kurdish. The price drop comes amid ongoing fluctuations in the global oil market, influenced by various geopolitical factors.

Impact Energy traders and oil companies monitor price fluctuations affecting revenue and trading strategies.

Sources: PUKmedia Kurdish ↗

Trade

  • Energy
  • Logistics

Iraq increases oil exports to 3.4 million barrels per day

Iraq's Minister of Oil, Basim Khudair, announced that the country's oil export rate has risen to 3.4 million barrels per day in October, according to Iraqi News. The increase is facilitated through three main export routes. This rise in exports is significant for Iraq's economy, providing a boost to government revenues and potentially impacting global oil prices.

Impact Oil importers and logistics firms will see increased supply from Iraq, impacting global oil markets.

Sources: Iraqi News ↗

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Iraq

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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The same day elsewhere