Oil & Trade Routes: Iraq is pushing to keep crude flowing as Hormuz disruptions bite, with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi saying Baghdad has secured alternative export routes via Türkiye’s Ceyhan port and is also working on Syria’s Baniyas and Jordan’s Aqaba, while aiming for 8–10 million bpd within six years. OPEC Push: Al-Zaidi said Iraq sent a delegation to Saudi Arabia to seek a higher OPEC+ quota after the war and Hormuz closure hit production and exports. Sanctions Pressure: Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf told business leaders in Baghdad that Tehran must plan to withstand “unjust” US sanctions and urged Iran-Iraq trade in national currencies to cut dollar dependence. Arms Under State Control: Asaib Ahl al-Haq handed over weapons and drones (without munitions) to Iraqi state authorities as part of the push for a state monopoly on arms ahead of the Sept. 30 disarmament deadline. Anti-Corruption: Iraq’s Integrity Commission has started auditing pension files to identify and recover pensions paid without entitlement, including cross-checks with the National Board of Pensions. Telecom Crackdown: Iraq’s media regulator shut down Korek Telecom offices in Baghdad, citing enforcement actions with the National Security Service. Infrastructure & Customs: Iraq approved IQD 15 billion for upgrades at three border crossings and set new pre-payment rules for customs duties and estimated taxes starting Oct. 1, 2026.