Some “Iraq News” Posted by Tishwash at TNT 4-7-2026

Tishwash:  2025 statistics: Iraq ranks second in the Arab world in terms of reliance on “cash”

Iraq continues to rely heavily on “cash payments” in daily transactions for the year 2025, ranking highly among Arab countries according to forex.se.

Iraq’s reliance on cash, at a rate of up to 85%, reflects the slow pace of the shift towards electronic payments compared to some countries in the region, according to the Swedish website specializing in currency exchange and travel services.

According to the website’s data, Lebanon tops the list with 90%, followed by Iraq with 85%, then Egypt and Jordan with 80% each, Morocco with 65%, Tunisia with 55%, Oman with 50%, while Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have 30%, Qatar has 25%, and finally Bahrain and the UAE have 20% each.  link

Tishwash:  In a detailed report, the International Monetary Fund ranks Iraq’s economy both regionally and globally.

The International Monetary Fund announced on Monday that Iraq will be the fifth largest Arab economy in 2026, while predicting continued growth in the Iraqi economy by 2030.

The report stated that “data showed Iraq ranking fifth among Arab economies in 2026, based on purchasing power parity (PPP) GDP, with a value of $739.13 billion, placing it 44th globally.”

According to the report, the top five Arab economies were ranked as follows: Saudi Arabia led the Arab world (16th globally), followed by Egypt in second place (18th globally), the United Arab Emirates in third, Algeria in fourth, and Iraq in fifth.

The report also noted that “globally, three superpowers maintained their leading positions; China ranked first with $43.5 trillion, followed by the United States in second place with $31.8 trillion, and India in third place with $19.1 trillion.”

According to detailed official indicators for Iraq, nominal GDP at current prices reached $273.91 billion, with a real growth rate of 3.6%.

Per capita GDP (PPP) stood at $15,850, while the population reached 46.64 million.

Regarding monetary and fiscal stability, the report noted that “the annual inflation rate remained stable at 2.5%, net public lending/borrowing was -7.1%, and the current account deficit was 1.1%.”The IMF concluded its report with projections indicating that “the Iraqi economy will continue to grow by 2030.”  link

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Tishwash:  Muzhir Muhammad Saleh: The informal economy hides 67% of the market in Iraq.

 Mazhar Muhammad Saleh confirmed today, Monday, that the informal economy in Baghdad and the rest of Iraq’s cities represents a source of livelihood for millions of citizens, but at the same time it hides 67% of the market economy, deprives the state of important resources, and leaves those working in it without legal protection.

Saleh explained in his interview with Al-Furat News Agency that “this economic, social and legal paradox cannot be addressed through imposing taxes or prosecution, but rather through simplifying the procedures adopted by the government program, such as registration, reducing fees, and providing real incentives such as loans and insurance.” 

He pointed out that “the adoption of electronic payment through digital payment applications, with its current resurgence, can enhance transparency and facilitate the integration of this sector into the regulated market economy.” 

He explained that “when the formal economy becomes more accessible and beneficial, the informal market will become a supporting force for the economy instead of remaining outside the organized market and the legal framework that protects market activity, including the social protection system and the workers’ pension fund.” 

He added that “the entire informal economy can then be transformed into a supporting force for the economy, based on governance and transparency, instead of remaining outside the legal framework and social protection.” link

Tishwash:  The Security Council will vote today on a watered-down resolution regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

 The UN Security Council will vote on Tuesday (April 7, 2026) on a watered-down draft resolution to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, following extensive amendments to avoid a veto, and hours before the expiration of US President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran.

 The vote on the new text comes after a series of postponements, the latest of which was last Friday, amid disagreements between the permanent member states, especially with Russia and China.

 According to Agence France-Presse, the first version of the project, which Bahrain pushed forward with Gulf support two weeks ago, included an explicit mandate to use force to secure navigation in the strait.

 However, this clause was gradually dropped during the negotiations, to be replaced by a watered-down version calling for “coordination of efforts of a defensive nature,” including escorting commercial vessels, without granting a direct military mandate.

 The current version condemns the Iranian attacks on ships and demands that Tehran “immediately cease” any actions that impede freedom of navigation, while affirming the Council’s readiness to consider additional measures against those who threaten this vital waterway.

 The project also stipulates a follow-up mechanism, through a request for an initial report from the Secretary-General of the United Nations within 7 days, followed by monthly reports to monitor any developments or attacks in the region.

 The decision applies only to the Strait of Hormuz, with an emphasis on adherence to international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

 This move comes at a sensitive time, as the vote coincides with a deadline set by Trump for Iran that ends at dawn on Wednesday, threatening harsh measures if the strait is not reopened. link