Economic concerns continue to weigh heavily on many Iraqis, especially low-income families and workers with limited salaries, as uncertainty grows over the country’s financial outlook and the future of the Iraqi dinar.
Many citizens are closely watching developments related to the dinar-dollar exchange rate, oil exports, and Iraq’s role within OPEC, fearing that changes in any of these areas could lead to higher prices and increased pressure on household budgets.
Former lawmaker Rasoul Radhi said the ongoing financial challenges, combined with regional developments and difficulties in exporting oil, could put additional pressure on the Iraqi dinar in the coming period.
According to Radhi, the dollar’s exchange rate in local markets has already risen above 155,000 dinars per $100 and could increase further if current economic conditions continue. He suggested that the government may consider adjusting the official exchange rate as part of efforts to address declining oil revenues and growing financial pressures.
Economist Abdul Rahman Al-Mashhadani stressed that discussions about Iraq leaving OPEC should be approached with caution. He argued that Iraq remains heavily dependent on oil revenues and would struggle to withstand a major oil price war on its own.
Al-Mashhadani pointed to previous disputes between major oil producers that caused sharp declines in global oil prices, significantly affecting Iraq’s finances. He noted that Iraq lacks a large sovereign wealth fund and remains highly dependent on oil exports, making it vulnerable to any sustained drop in crude prices.
He emphasized that remaining within OPEC is important for Iraq’s economic stability, while also calling for efforts to secure a larger export quota that reflects the country’s production capacity and vast oil reserves.
Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman Al-Jazaeri, a member of the Coordination Framework, said Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi is actively working to find solutions to Iraq’s economic challenges.
Al-Jazaeri described the prime minister as experienced in economic matters and said the government is studying a range of measures aimed at addressing the country’s financial difficulties and improving economic stability.
He added that Iraq may move toward a new economic program that could include changes to exchange rate policy if necessary. According to Al-Jazaeri, any future decisions would be part of a broader strategy designed to help the country navigate current economic pressures and support long-term recovery.
While no official decision has been announced regarding the exchange rate, the ongoing debate has fueled public concern as Iraq continues to face financial challenges linked to oil revenues, regional developments, and broader economic conditions.
