Iraq, US agree to resume dollar cash shipments to Baghdad
Iraqi officials say Washington will continue physical dollar shipments after a months-long suspension, with a new delivery expected within days.
What happened
Iraq and the United States have reached an agreement, or understanding, to continue physical dollar cash shipments to Iraq, according to an Iraqi government spokesperson.123
A new shipment is expected to arrive in Baghdad within days.23
The US had resumed some dollar cash shipments in July after a months-long suspension, following a halt of a roughly $500 million shipment in April, according to Iraqi officials.3
Iraq keeps more than $100 billion in reserves in the United States.1
Key points
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed reported details of the terms of the new agreement or any conditions attached to it.
- None of the outlets reviewed reported a statement from the US government confirming or characterizing the agreement.
- None of the outlets reviewed explained the original reasons for the suspension or the April halt of the $500 million shipment.
Why it matters
Iraq holds more than $100 billion in reserves in the United States, which is described as giving Washington influence over Baghdad's access to physical dollars.1
The US had previously halted shipments, including about $500 million in April, before resuming some shipments in July, according to Iraqi officials.3
What to watch
- Whether the new shipment arrives in Baghdad as expected in the coming days.
Sources (3)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
Middle East & Turkey
- 1The Jerusalem PostILPrivate
US agrees to continue physical dollar cash shipments, Iraqi government says
- 2Anadolu AgencyTRState-controlled
- 3Arab NewsSAPrivate