Three Zeros, One Currency: The Risks and Rewards of Iraq’s Dinar Reform

Reports 11:52 AM - 2026-08-24

Iraqi currency.

The issue of removing three zeros from the Iraqi dinar has intensified, prompting large numbers of people to purchase US dollars and sell their dinars. Experts warn that this trend could push the dollar exchange rate higher against the Iraqi dinar in the coming days. They also stress that the proposed currency reform could have both positive and negative consequences.

Removing Three Zeros Could Recover Eight Trillion Missing Dinars

The issue of reforming Iraq’s currency by removing three zeros from the dinar has recently become a major topic of discussion in economic, political and media circles. The issue gained further attention after Iraq’s Minister of Communications indicated that a decision had been taken to modify the currency, with the stated aim of recovering eight trillion dinars in missing state funds.

While removing zeros is technically an accounting and monetary reform measure, questions remain over the timing and underlying objectives of the proposal, particularly given Iraq’s current economic and political circumstances.

Potential Impact of Removing Three Zeros

From an economic perspective, removing three zeros could simplify everyday financial transactions, reduce the costs associated with printing and transporting banknotes, and help the Central Bank of Iraq reorganise the country’s monetary system.

However, Prof. Dr Ayub Anwar Smaqayi, a university professor and head of the Erbil Branch of the Kurdistan Economists Association, argues that the current discussion is largely a “tactic” aimed at recovering funds that have been hoarded or kept outside the banking system.

He notes that widespread corruption and the accumulation of cash outside official channels have contributed to liquidity shortages, with the government facing serious difficulties in meeting salary payments for several months. Given these circumstances, he warns that altering the currency while the economy remains unstable could create additional problems.

How Would the Process Work?

The proposed removal of three zeros would first have to be approved by the Iraqi Council of Ministers. If endorsed, the proposal would then be referred to the Iraqi parliament’s Finance Committee for a first reading before being submitted to the parliamentary presidency. It would subsequently proceed to a second reading and a final vote by MPs.

Srwa Mohammed, a member of the Iraqi parliament representing the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) bloc, says Iraq is facing a difficult economic situation and that the government is exploring various measures to increase revenues and combat corruption.

She explains that the Ministry of Finance, in coordination with the relevant authorities, would need to submit a draft law to parliament for approval. She adds that one potential benefit of the reform would be strengthening the Iraqi currency and exposing individuals who have concealed large sums of money, as they would be required to disclose the source of their funds when exchanging the old currency for the new one.

Risks and Challenges

Experts warn that, despite its potential benefits, implementing such a reform during a period of economic and political instability could create significant risks, including:

• Dollar reserves: The Central Bank would need adequate foreign currency reserves to maintain exchange-rate stability against the US dollar following the introduction of the new currency.

• Unfavourable conditions: Iraq’s ongoing financial and political challenges could prevent the reform from achieving its intended objectives and could instead contribute to further economic instability.

Removing three zeros from the Iraqi dinar could offer several technical and economic advantages, but carrying out such a reform under Iraq’s current circumstances would require comprehensive studies, careful planning and a stable financial environment.

Without sufficient preparation and research, the reform could deepen existing economic difficulties and fail to deliver its anticipated benefits.

The debate comes as reports about the possible removal of the three zeros have prompted many people to buy US dollars and sell their dinars. Experts warn that increased demand for the dollar could push its value higher against the Iraqi dinar, placing further pressure on the national currency.


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