Routine Renewal of the 2003 Iraq Stabilization Emergency

On May 4, 2026, the President issued a notice extending a national emergency originally declared in 2003 regarding the stabilization of Iraq. Under the National Emergencies Act, such declarations automatically expire after one year unless renewed. This notice simply keeps the emergency in effect for another twelve months, past May 22, 2026.

Why it matters: This is a standard administrative renewal required by statute. Without it, the legal authority to enforce certain Iraq-related financial and trade restrictions would lapse. The practical effect is keeping the status quo for compliance purposes; it does not signal a shift in policy or a new round of sanctions.

Who it affects

• Financial institutions and banks that process international transactions involving Iraq

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This action was issued by the Executive Office of the President and published in the Federal Register. Because it references multiple prior executive orders that modify the original scope, anyone relying on the current restrictions should review the full notice and the cited orders.

Agency: Executive Office of the President
Source: Federal Register — read the official document