On February 19, 2026, the exchange rate of the dollar against the Egyptian pound surged unexpectedly on the first day of Ramadan, reaching over 47 pounds in several Egyptian banks. This rapid increase comes as investors express growing concerns over escalating tensions, particularly reports of U.S. troop buildups in the Middle East and the looming possibility of conflict between the United States and Iran. These geopolitical uncertainties have contributed to heightened prices of oil and safe-haven assets globally. Among the main banks in Egypt, the dollar's buying and selling prices vary slightly. For instance, at Bank Misr, the dollar is priced at 47.47 pounds for buying and 47.57 pounds for selling. Meanwhile, at the Bank of Credit Agricole, it's pegged at 47.58 for buying and 47.68 for selling. Other notable financial institutions, such as the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and the Commercial International Bank, reflect similar rates for transactions, indicative of the general trend within the financial market. The implications of this dollar surge underscore potential challenges for the Egyptian economy, particularly in light of inflationary pressures and the financial landscape during Ramadan, a period traditionally associated with increased consumer spending. Investors and policymakers will closely monitor these developments to gauge their impact on both the local economy and the overall financial system amidst a backdrop of rising global uncertainties.