An aerial view of the new headquarters of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). Photo: Zaha Hadid Architects
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Official statistics issued recently by the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) showed that the bank’s foreign reserves declined in the second quarter of 2026.
According to official figures, Iraq’s foreign reserves stood at approximately 118.94 trillion Iraqi dinars ($90.8 billion) on May 28. This marked a decrease from 120.67 trillion Iraqi dinars ($92.12 billion) on May 21, representing a decline of 1.72 trillion Iraqi dinars (around $1.32 billion), or 1.43 percent. This data indicates a continuing downward trajectory throughout May.
Iraq’s foreign reserves continued to fall monthly, hitting around 127.15 trillion Iraqi dinars ($97.06 billion) in April, down from 130.443 trillion Iraqi dinars ($99.58 billion) in March, reflecting a steady decline in overall reserve assets between March and the end of May, local news outlet Shafaq News reported.
This decline reflects fluctuations in official reserve levels due to various factors, including changes in foreign revenue, liquidity management, and global market volatility during the specified timeframe.
The value of gold in official reserves has reached around 32.97 trillion Iraqi dinars ($25.17 billion), making it one of the most important components of the foreign reserve structure.