POLITICS

Explainer-How the US controls Iraq's oil revenues

PUBLISHED Sep 30, 2026, 2:09 AM ET

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Explainer-How the US controls Iraq's oil revenues

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 23

Left 22%

Center 57%

Right 22%

Sources: 23

The United States maintains structural financial control over Iraq by holding Iraqi oil revenues at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Established after the 2003 invasion under President George W. Bush, the mechanism originally protected funds in the Development Fund for Iraq from post-war litigation and creditor claims. While formally transitioned to a Central Bank of Iraq account, physical cash deposits and wire transfers remain subject to Federal Reserve oversight. Oil sales fund approximately 90 percent of Iraq’s budget. Consequently, U.S. regulatory control over dollar access serve as economic leverage during diplomatic disagreements, such as U.S. troop withdrawal demands or actions against Tehran-aligned armed groups. To counter money laundering and illicit money transfers to sanctioned foreign entities, U.S. authorities pressured Baghdad to shut down its daily dollar auction mechanism in 2025. Despite black-market exchange volatility, Iraqi officials maintain the Federal Reserve arrangement remains necessary to safeguard national oil assets.

By Neha R. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On May 22 2003 UN Resolution 1483 creates Development Fund.
On May 22 2003 President Bush signs executive order protecting.
On December 31 2003 Iraq oil revenues enter New York.
On January 5 2020 Iraq requests troop exit triggering warning.
On July 19 2023 US Treasury sanctions fourteen Iraqi banks.
On January 1 2025 Central Bank officially terminates dollar auctions.
On April 10 2026 Washington halts cash shipment to Baghdad.
On September 21 2026 Iraq reports agreement over dollar shipments.
On September 30 2026 Federal Reserve continues holding Iraqi deposits.
On October 1 2026 authorities expect gradual banking sector modernization.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: US maintains direct geopolitical leverage over Middle Eastern financial policy.
Possible long-term US impact: Long-term control prevents dollar siphoning to sanctioned regional proxy groups.
Reader priority: Focus on official Treasury statements and Federal Reserve shipping agreements.
Most Affected: US Federal Reserve Treasury Department Iraqi Central Bank oil markets.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 23
Right Leaning:: 5
Left Leaning:: 5
Neutral:: 13
Distribution:: Left 22%, Center 57%, Right 22%

Explain Framing

Left: Emphasizes US financial imperialism, sovereignty violations, and regional economic disruption. Center: Focuses on institutional mechanics, legal frameworks, and counter-sanctions banking compliance. Right: Insists control is vital to suppress Iranian proxies and terror-financing.