Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Iraqi forces sealed Baghdad’s Green Zone and arrested dozens of lawmakers and officials in “Dawn Crackdown,” with reports of 67 detainees in the first day and a wider push targeting 200+ suspects; authorities also ordered strict inspections of government vehicles on major highways and dismissed Diyala’s electricity distribution chief as probes expand. Green Zone Security: Air defenses intercepted a drone over the Green Zone; shrapnel damaged two vehicles, while officials also said a surveillance drone was shot down without losses. Pilgrimage Services: Prime Minister Al-Zaidi reviewed Arbaeen preparations, stressing transport, telecom, electricity, fuel, and medical support for pilgrims moving to Karbala. Regional Finance & Trade: Region Trade Bank named an international board focused on financial integrity and sanctions compliance, while Gulftainer launched its first UAE–Umm Qasr feeder service to strengthen Iraq’s logistics links. Economy & Markets: The dollar slipped in Baghdad and Erbil; Iraq’s live animal imports fell 48% in 2025, and oil prices edged up amid US-Iran diplomatic friction. Regional Diplomacy: Iraq said it is repairing Gulf ties after Iran-war tensions, and met GCC chief Jasem Al Budaiwi in Baghdad. Energy & Shipping: An Iraqi oil tanker overturned in Syria, and a ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz after reportedly not following Iran’s approved route. Politics & Governance: Iraq’s higher education ministry halted new private university applications to reassess and tighten oversight.