From the shadows to supreme power: why Iran chose Ahmad Vahidi to lead its confrontation with the United States

Image
By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis Who Is Ahmad Vahidi? The Secretive IRGC Commander now shaping Iran's confrontation with the United States From the founding of the Quds Force to commanding the Revolutionary Guards, Ahmad Vahidi's rise signals a new era in Iran's military-led decision-making. As Tehran braces for a prolonged confrontation with Washington, one of Iran's most secretive and hardline military figures has emerged at the center of power—signaling a dramatic shift in how the Islamic Republic intends to wage its geopolitical struggle. Who is Ahmad Vahidi? Explore the rise of Iran's IRGC commander and how his growing influence could reshape Tehran's strategy toward the United States and the Middle East. For decades, Ahmad Vahidi remained largely behind the scenes, shaping Iran's military doctrine and regional strategy away from the public spotlight. Today, however, he stands at the heart of Iran's national security apparatus, overs...
Post a Comment

When gold surges like this… something bigger is coming in Iraq

Baghdad and Erbil see rising gold prices as demand and global trends push rates higher

ERBIL, April 11 (Kurdish Policy Analysis)

Gold prices in Iraq remained on an upward trajectory on Saturday, hovering around 1.03 million Iraqi dinars per mithqal in both Baghdad and Erbil markets, reflecting continued demand amid economic uncertainty.

A market survey by Shafaq News Agency showed that gold prices rose across key trading hubs, with Baghdad’s main bullion market on Al-Nahr Street recording notable gains compared to earlier in the week.

BAGHDAD MARKETS EDGE HIGHER

In Baghdad, the selling price for 21-carat gold—covering Gulf, Turkish, and European imports—reached:

  • 1,024,000 IQD per mithqal (5 grams) selling price
  • 1,020,000 IQD buying price

This marks an increase from 1,014,000 IQD recorded on Thursday, signaling steady upward momentum.

Meanwhile, locally produced 21-carat Iraqi gold traded slightly lower:

  • 994,000 IQD selling price
  • 990,000 IQD buying price

Retail jewelry stores reported even higher price bands, with Gulf gold ranging between:

  • 1,025,000 – 1,035,000 IQD per mithqal

Iraqi gold in retail markets ranged between:

  • 995,000 – 1,005,000 IQD

ERBIL PRICES FOLLOW SAME TREND

In Erbil, gold prices mirrored Baghdad’s upward movement, with higher purity levels commanding premium rates:

  • 22-carat gold: 1,079,000 IQD per mithqal
  • 21-carat gold: 1,030,000 IQD
  • 18-carat gold: 883,000 IQD

The consistency across both cities suggests a nationwide pricing trend influenced by global gold markets and local currency dynamics.

MARKET DRIVERS

Traders attribute the price rise to several overlapping factors:

  • Global gold strength, driven by economic uncertainty and safe-haven demand
  • Exchange rate fluctuations affecting import costs
  • Local demand, particularly for jewelry and savings amid inflation concerns

Gold remains a key store of value in Iraq, especially during periods of political and economic volatility.

OUTLOOK

With prices steadily climbing over recent days, market participants expect continued volatility in the short term. Any further movement in global gold benchmarks or shifts in the Iraqi dinar could quickly translate into higher local prices.

For now, the 1 million IQD threshold per mithqal appears to be holding—potentially setting a new baseline for Iraq’s gold market.

#Iraq #GoldPrices #Baghdad #Erbil #Economy #Inflation #Markets #IQD #MiddleEast


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lindsey Graham Passing Reshapes Republican Foreign Policy—and Raises Questions for the Kurds

Image
  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis The sudden death of one of Washington's most influential Republican hawks removes a powerful congressional advocate for Ukraine, Israel, a hardline Iran policy, and Kurdish aspirations in the Middle East. The death of Senator Lindsey Graham removes one of Washington's strongest advocates for the Kurds, Ukraine, Israel, and a tougher US policy toward Iran. Lindsey Graham's Sudden Death Leaves a Strategic Void in Washington WASHINGTON — Senator Lindsey Graham , one of the Republican Party's most influential foreign policy voices and one of President Donald Trump's closest congressional allies, has died at the age of 71 following a sudden illness, according to a statement released by his office. His unexpected death comes at a particularly volatile moment in American and Middle Eastern politics. Graham had recently traveled to Ukraine, remained deeply involved in congressional debates over Iran and Israel, and was p...
Read more

Lindsey Graham's Death Leaves a Void in US-Kurdish Relations

Image
  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis     The passing of Senator Lindsey Graham removes one of the most influential American advocates for the Kurdish people, raising questions about the future of bipartisan support for Kurdistan amid shifting US foreign policy priorities. The death of Senator Lindsey Graham removes one of Washington's strongest advocates for the Kurdish people, creating uncertainty for future US-Kurdish relations. The Loss of a Longstanding Friend of Kurdistan The sudden death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has prompted an outpouring of tributes not only across Washington but throughout the Kurdistan Region, reflecting the rare position he occupied as one of the most consistent and influential American advocates for Kurdish interests. The Washington Kurdish Institute described Graham as a steadfast supporter whose commitment to the Kurdish people extended beyond political rhetoric, offering condolences to his family while highlighting...
Read more

Can the stateless Nation of Kurdistan help save the Global Order?

Image
By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj A new geopolitical analysis argues that Kurdistan's experience of survival, mediation, and pragmatic diplomacy offers unexpected lessons as the international order faces its deepest crisis since World War II. A new geopolitical analysis argues Kurdistan's experience offers vital lessons for rebuilding international order amid the Iran war and global instability. As the World Fragments, Kurdistan Offers an Unexpected Lesson The international system is under unprecedented strain.  Russia's war in Ukraine, escalating tensions between Iran and the West, the paralysis of the United Nations, and growing competition among major powers have raised a fundamental question: Who still defines the rules of international order? According to a new geopolitical analysis by Greg Mills and Basil Gavalas , the answer may not come from Washington, Moscow, Beijing, or Brussels—but from an unlikely place: Iraq's Kurdistan Region . While lacking international r...
Read more