Iraq-US dollar shipment deal points to easing of cash-supply restrictions

**Verified facts:** Anadolu reported that Iraq and the US reached an understanding to resume dollar cash shipments after a months-long suspension. Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said the agreement was reached during Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi’s visit to the US. He said a new shipment would arrive in the coming days, but did not disclose its value or delivery date. The shipments are intended to help meet Iraq’s domestic foreign-currency demand. According to the report, Iraq tightened oversight of dollar distribution, sought to curb misuse of foreign currency and expanded electronic payments before the agreement. The US had suspended shipments in April, including a consignment estimated at around $500 million, as Washington pressed Baghdad to curb the influence of Iran-backed armed groups.

**Interpretation:** The reported agreement may ease pressure on Iraq’s cash-heavy economy and suggests that Iraqi measures to strengthen oversight were viewed as sufficient to support a resumption. However, the available evidence does not establish whether the arrangement represents a lasting policy change or only a limited restart of shipments.

**Uncertainty:** The shipment’s value, exact delivery date, longer-term volume and detailed conditions were not disclosed. The report attributes the agreement and its expected effects to the Iraqi government spokesman; it does not provide an independent US confirmation.