AGP Executive Report

US-Iraq Withdrawal Talks: Iraqi PM Ali Al-Zaidi reaffirmed that September 30 is the “fixed and final” deadline for ending the US-led coalition’s mission and removing foreign military presence, with October 1 marking a new era of full Iraqi sovereignty. State Control of Arms: Al-Zaidi also stressed weapons must stay under Iraqi state authority, as Baghdad moves toward a disarmament law and readiness checks amid ongoing security pressure. Regional Security Signal: The same week, Iraq said it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used as a “launch pad” for attacks on neighbors. Terror Watch: A UN Security Council sanctions monitoring report officially attributed the November 2025 Red Fort attack in New Delhi to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), warning of evolving networks and regional threat potential. Housing & Finance: Iraq’s Housing Fund will open electronic loan applications on August 23 for a four-day window, with eligibility and document matching required; separately, Iraq’s bank reforms are being positioned to attract regional investors while governance tightening continues.

Iraq-US Withdrawal: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi called the Sept. 30 end date for the international coalition’s mission “final and irreversible,” telling U.S. Central Command chief Brad Cooper that Iraq will be free of foreign military presence from Oct. 1 and pushing for weapons to be under exclusive state control. Hormuz Pressure on Iraq’s Economy: With the Strait of Hormuz blockade disrupting exports, Iraq is running short of cash and delaying public salaries, leaving workers across cities like Mosul anxious about how long the delays will last. Kurdistan Security: Four drones crashed in Erbil province, with one hitting a residential building and sparking a fire; authorities are still unsure who launched them amid repeated Iran-linked attacks. Human Rights Watch: 26 countries, including Canada and EU officials, condemned Iran’s continued use of the death penalty, urging an immediate end to executions of protesters. Regional Energy Diversification: Lebanon and an Iraqi delegation met in Beirut to revive the Kirkuk-Tripoli pipeline as a Mediterranean export alternative, with short-term logistics and safety preparations underway.

Energy & Trade Routes: Lebanon’s PM Nawaf Salam chaired talks in Beirut with an Iraqi delegation on reviving the historic Kirkuk–Tripoli pipeline, with Lebanon set to act as an initial storage and re-export hub as Baghdad pushes alternative export corridors beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Weapons Control: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi ordered draft legislation to curb the uncontrolled spread of weapons, stressing they must remain with authorized state institutions. Baghdad Security: Baghdad crime fell in July after a major crackdown, with security forces seizing hundreds of weapons, registering thousands of firearms, impounding tens of thousands of vehicles, and dismantling drug-trafficking networks. Mental Health & Safety: Baghdad recorded three suicides within 24 hours, including a 20-year-old woman found hanging in Al-Ghazaliya, as national figures show suicides rising in 2026. Environment: An eyeless fish was found in an Al-Anbar cave, first documented in 2010, prompting further study of the cave’s water channels and species. Local Economy: Delivery firms in Iraq warn that rising licensing costs, new fees, and overlapping regulations are driving closures, squeezing small businesses and couriers.

Oil & Trade Corridors: Lebanon and Iraq met in Beirut to revive the historic Kirkuk–Tripoli pipeline, with Lebanon preparing to act as a storage and re-export hub as Baghdad seeks alternatives to Hormuz disruptions. Security & Weapons Control: Iraqi forces shut two “fake” PMF offices in southern Baghdad and arrested four; in Saladin, three PMF members were killed in a shooting inside a base. Iran–Iraq Faction Tensions: Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani urged factions not to surrender weapons “for now,” pushing for a political settlement ahead of a Sept. 30 disarmament deadline. Anti-Corruption Drive: Iraq’s Federal Integrity Commission stopped a scheme to seize 40 dunams of state land in Anbar, issuing orders against 34 people; a separate review says at least 210 officials and figures were detained in the Dawn Crackdown. Economy & Markets: The dollar rose in Baghdad and Erbil to around 154,000 IQD per $100; US crude imports from Iraq reportedly fell to zero in the latest four-week average. Public Health & Environment: Sulfur-like odors returned across parts of Baghdad for a second day, linked by residents to waste burning. Crime & Justice: Iraq’s Central Criminal Court sentenced three drug traffickers to death over 140 kg of methamphetamine.

Hormuz Pressure on Iraq’s Economy: Iran and Oman are still negotiating shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, but Tehran says reopening depends on U.S. concessions, including sanctions relief and compensation—while Trump rejects Iran’s demand for war reparations and instead demands payment from Tehran, keeping oil markets jumpy and regional trade uncertain. Baghdad-Iran Security Talks: Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani arrived in Baghdad for meetings with Iraqi political factions and armed leaders, with talks reportedly focused on weapons and whether Iraq can resume oil exports via Hormuz ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline for disarmament. Kirkuk Provincial Councils Fight: A Kirkuk council member pushed back on calls to suspend provincial councils and freeze budgets, citing constitutional requirements and warning that oversight should target specific violations, not the councils themselves. Water Crisis Planning: Nineveh authorities moved a western Nineveh water project (Sinjar-Al-Baaj) toward funding, aiming to tackle shortages and illegal water use as flooding risks persist. Corruption Crackdown in Dhi Qar: Security forces arrested a Nasiriyah municipality employee hiding in a shrine as part of a wider investigation into losses to public funds. Suicide Cases: Two separate suicides were reported in Babil and Baghdad, with officials citing rising national figures for 2026. Local Sports & Culture: Iraqi tennis player Humam Issam won singles and doubles titles in Turkey, and the Arab Women Judges Network elected Baghdad judge Taghreed Abdul Majeed as president.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran says it’s nearing an Oman deal on shipping lanes, but insists the U.S. must lift the naval blockade, end sanctions, release frozen assets, and pay war compensation before the strait reopens—while Trump rejects Iran’s compensation demand and says he’ll demand reparations from Tehran too. Iraq Security & Arms Control: Iraq’s Interior Ministry says unauthorized drone launches will be treated as “terrorist acts,” while it reports a national database covering about 6 million weapons and the closure of 71 fake PMF-linked headquarters. PMF Accountability: A Sadr spokesperson says PMF leadership failed to notify bases about the timing of US-Saudi strikes, as Iraq weighs how to enforce disarmament and state control. Regional Deterrence & Energy Pressure: The U.S. says it’s moving up to 7,000 IS detainees from Syria to Iraq, as Hormuz disruption keeps global energy pressure high and the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve hits a multi-decade low. Iran Leadership Shake-Up: Iran’s Supreme Leader appoints Mohsen Rezaei to a top national security role, as officials describe Iran’s leadership as “completely healthy” amid ongoing tensions.

Strait of Hormuz Standoff: Iran says its Oman deal is in “final stages,” but the strait won’t reopen until the US meets Tehran’s conditions, including compensation and sanctions relief, as Trump signals “semi-negotiating” and keeps economic pressure on Iran. Iran Security Shake-Up: Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appoints Mohsen Rezaei as secretary and personal representative to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, replacing Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, amid heightened US-Iran tensions. Iraq–Kurdistan Finance: KRG PM Masrour Barzani announces a financial agreement with Baghdad with “retroactive effect” for budget dues starting January 2021. Armed Factions File: Iraq’s political leaders agree on a mechanism for factions to hand weapons to the PMF for registration and storage under state supervision, with Sept. 30 set as a deadline. Local Unrest: Protests in Kut over power shortages turn tense as security forces use tear gas. Economy & Trade: Baghdad plans to distribute one million residential land plots from Sept. 1 to tackle a housing gap, while Iraq pushes to reopen Syria border crossings and streamline customs to boost trade.

Hormuz Pressure on Iraq’s Economy: Iraq’s Oil Minister Basim Khudair says crude output is about 2.7 million bpd, but exports have fallen from 3.4 million bpd to roughly 1.5–1.7 million bpd as the Strait of Hormuz stays shut, pushing Baghdad to seek alternative routes like Aqaba and the Basra–Fishkhabur pipeline. Parliament & Security Accountability: Parliament has ordered an investigation into claims of prior knowledge of US-Saudi strikes that hit PMF sites, while lawmakers also move to suspend provincial councils and freeze their budgets. Baghdad Governance & Daily Life: Baghdad’s Al-Madina Stadium is declared unfit, leaving two clubs without it for the league’s opening rounds, and abandoned homes are turning into health hazards as pests and stray animals move in. Anti-Graft Moves: The Integrity Commission arrested municipal officials in Al-Muthanna over illegal shop leases, and a former Saladin governor was detained on corruption charges. Water Crisis Tech Deal: Iraq signed with Turkey’s Kolaysoft to digitize water monitoring, including remote meters and GIS mapping. Regional Security Spillover: Syria says it dismantled a nine-member ISIS cell in Quneitra, underscoring ongoing militant pressure across the border.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure on Iraq: Iran says talks with Oman are “very close” but insists the Strait of Hormuz stays shut unless the US meets new demands, including ending threats and attacks on Iran and allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen and Iraq, lifting a US naval blockade and sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and paying compensation for “imposed wars.” Iraq Security Alert: Iraq foiled a cross-border drone plot, arresting three suspects linked to Iranian figures and ordering heightened nationwide inspections as militias weigh possible retaliation after recent strikes. Regional Diplomacy: Iraq and Egypt renewed support for trilateral cooperation with Jordan to push economic integration amid regional tensions. Water Crisis Response: Iraq’s Cabinet approved about $3.82M to fight water hyacinth and tackle pollution risks in the Tigris and Euphrates, including plans to address saltwater intrusion in Basra. Oil Export Hit: Iraq’s oil exports reportedly fell sharply as Hormuz closure disrupts shipments, pushing Baghdad to seek alternative routes. Local Economy: Al-Qaim cement plant hit full capacity and is exporting to Syria, while Iraq and South Korea advanced talks via their joint committee.

Strait of Hormuz Shock to Iraq’s Oil: Iraq’s Oil Minister Basim Khudair says crude exports have fallen to about 1.5–1.7 million bpd, down from nearly 3.4 million bpd before the Strait of Hormuz closure, while production sits near 2.7 million bpd. He added Iraq is pushing alternative routes, including Aqaba and a Basra–Fishkhabur pipeline under a BOT model, and is working on gas tracks to stabilize supply. Diplomacy Around Hormuz: Oman says talks with Iran are “positive,” while Iran says a deal is close but reopening depends on conditions, including US compensation; the UAE also condemned a missile attack on an ADNOC tanker. Basra Protest Escalation: In Basra, a new union resumed protests with five demands—roads, a general hospital, a reconstruction fund, a needs-assessment committee, and finishing the Basra–Qurna road—warning of road and oil-field closures if ignored. Water Crisis Hits Food: Iraq’s 2025 crop output fell sharply as irrigation and water allocations tightened, with major drops in tomatoes, watermelon, melons, and other vegetables. Security and Accountability: Baghdad arrested former MP Ahmed al-Jubouri (Abu Mazen) on corruption charges under judicial orders. Kirkuk Oil Update: Kirkuk fields produce about 320,000 bpd, with BP targeting 420,000 bpd after development and gas/power upgrades. Human Stories: A woman died by suicide in Dhi Qar; and families from the Iran-Iraq War still await official martyr status and benefits 38 years later.

Saudi-Iraq Diplomacy: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi met Saudi intelligence chief Khalid Al-Humaidan in Baghdad, with Riyadh renewing an invitation for Al-Zaidi to visit Riyadh and both sides stressing security coordination and that Iraqi soil won’t be used to launch attacks. Regional Escalation Watch: In Yemen, Iran-aligned Houthis hit Marib with ballistic missiles and drones, killing two and wounding 14, while Yemen’s army said it responded on multiple fronts—raising fears of a wider conflict. Arbaeen Travel Rules: Iraq says Arbaeen pilgrimage visas for Afghans will be free, but Afghan representatives warn intermediaries may still charge extra and call for tighter oversight and refunds. Local Corruption Probe: Dhi Qar investigators uncovered nearly 600 abandoned land-plot files tied to a wanted Al-Nasiriyah Municipality employee and arrested former director Mohammed Abd Lilo, as warrants were issued for multiple municipality staff and brokers. Unexploded Ordnance Risk: In Al-Anbar, police found 480 ISIS-era artillery shells in the desert west of Ramadi, underscoring ongoing dangers from leftover munitions.

Militia Disarmament Deadline: Iraq’s State Administration Coalition says any armed activity outside state authority after Sept. 30 will be prosecuted under the anti-terrorism law, as Baghdad pushes to bring weapons under government control while security forces raise readiness. US-Saudi Strike Fallout: The Islamic Resistance in Iraq delayed its planned response to July 29 US-Saudi strikes on PMF sites, citing appeals by Hadi al-Amiri and warning that martyrs’ blood won’t be “bargaining chips,” while armed groups’ threats linger as the deadline expires. Baghdad-Riyadh Outreach: Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi received a renewed invitation to visit Riyadh from Saudi intelligence chief Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan, with both sides stressing sovereignty and intelligence coordination to prevent escalation. Security Measures at Home: Baghdad ordered stricter nationwide vehicle checks, and Iraq opened firearms registration offices to curb unlicensed weapons. Digital Economy Push: An MP proposed a “digital dinar” to secure salary payments and ease cash shortages. Connectivity: Iraq’s CMC warned no official Starlink agents or resellers are authorized yet, threatening legal action against impersonators. Energy Routes: Syria reported exporting over 2 million tons of Iraqi oil via Baniyas Port, while Iraq’s Hormuz-linked shipping remains under pressure.

Arms Control Deadline: Iraq’s State Administration Coalition warned armed factions to hand over weapons by Sept. 30 or face action under the counter-terrorism law, as the government pushes to keep all arms under state authority. Regional Security Alert: Saudi officials say intelligence points to coordinated attacks by Iran-supervised Iraqi militias and Yemen’s Houthis, with drones and missiles potentially targeting Saudi civilian and energy sites, including ports and airports. Hormuz Pressure on Iraq’s Oil: Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has thinned sharply as markets watch Iran-Oman talks; Iraq’s Basra crude is still moving, but discounts and risk fears show how fragile exports remain. Iraq Economy & Cash Flow: Reports highlight Iraq’s liquidity strain and delays in paying public salaries as oil revenue is hit by the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Health Fallout From War: A new AP report renews concerns about traumatic brain injuries among US troops exposed to drone and missile attacks across West Asia.

Armed Groups vs. Baghdad: Iraq’s State Administration Coalition warned that militias missing the Sept. 30 disarmament deadline will face terrorism charges, while also stressing Baghdad will not allow Iraqi territory to be used to attack neighbors. Saudi-Iraq Tensions: Armed factions under the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” umbrella paused threatened retaliation against Saudi Arabia, but set conditions tied to compensation and media tone after attacks on PMF sites. Security Alert Nationwide: Iraq’s Security Media Cell said combat readiness was raised across the country as the Aug. 6 deadline expired, with training and troop movements ordered. Energy & Power Strain: Iraq may borrow over 3 trillion dinars from private banks to cover August salaries as Hormuz disruptions cut oil revenue; the electricity shortage also remains severe. KRG-Dana Gas Dispute: The KRG accused Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum of starting gas supplies to Iraq’s electricity ministry without Erbil’s consent. Public Health: Iraq reported 313 Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever cases in 2026, including 24 deaths. Digital Services: Iraq formally accredited Apple as a trusted digital-service provider, bringing major Apple apps under the country’s digital platform rules.

Strait of Hormuz: Iran and Oman are nearing a deal on a short-term single shipping route through Iran’s territorial waters, but Tehran says the strait won’t be fully reopened unless the US follows through on its commitments. US-Iraq Aviation: The US Treasury removed counterterrorism sanctions from Iraq’s Fly Baghdad and two Boeing 737s, saying the airline’s listing is no longer warranted after operational changes, while warning sanctions could return. Baghdad Security Warning: Iraq’s government warned armed groups that using Iraqi territory to attack neighbors will be treated as criminal activity under the Anti-Terrorism Law, as Baghdad pushes for a state monopoly on weapons. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi and Iraqi foreign ministers met in Jordan to smooth over recent drone attacks and stress preventing Iraq from being used as a launchpad for aggression. Transport in Iraq: The Baghdad–Basra passenger train service is set to resume Friday after a pause for Arbaeen and maintenance. Digital Economy: Iraq’s Central Bank and the Communications and Media Commission discussed regulating digital payments, licensing global platforms, and tackling money-laundering and payments on social media.

Jerusalem Diplomacy: Arab and Muslim foreign ministers met in Amman and issued a joint statement condemning Israeli actions at Al-Aqsa, calling for a unified stance and joint action to confront measures they say target Jerusalem’s Arab, Islamic and Christian identity. Iraq Finances: Iraq’s oil export squeeze from the Strait of Hormuz closure is hitting public pay, with reports that many employees may not receive July salaries on time and officials discussing later payout schedules. US Sanctions Relief: The US Treasury removed counterterrorism sanctions on Iraqi airline Fly Baghdad and two aircraft after an administrative review, while keeping sanctions tied to the airline’s CEO under an IRGC-Quds link. Kirkuk Politics: Kurdish parties in Kirkuk agreed to coordinate on security and services, leaving open the possibility of a unified bloc. Kurdistan Security Support: The UK renewed support for Kurdistan Region Peshmerga forces in talks with the Peshmerga Affairs Ministry. Regional Pressure on Baghdad: Saudi Arabia urged Iraq not to allow its territory to be used for attacks, as Iraqi officials prepare for a Saudi visit focused on security and economic ties. Domestic Justice: A Najaf court sentenced a drug trafficker to death over an attempted meth smuggling case. ISIS Warning: A UN official told the Security Council that ISIS remains a serious threat despite counterterrorism efforts.