AGP Executive Report

Hezbollah/Israel: The IDF says it killed senior Hezbollah commander Ali Mussa Daqdouq in a “precise strike” south of Lebanon’s Litani River, linking him to the 2007 kidnapping and killing of five U.S. soldiers. Oil Security & Kurdistan: Baghdad and Erbil reached an agreement to protect oil companies and restart Kurdistan oil production and exports, after years of attacks on energy infrastructure. Baghdad-Erbil Coordination: Iraqi and Kurdish leaders also discussed security arrangements for oil facilities and direct assurances to companies. Anti-Drug Crackdown: Iraq and Syria dismantled an international drug network “deep inside Syria,” seizing 800,000 Captagon pills and 200 kg of narcotics and arresting nine traffickers. Corruption Probe Hits Infrastructure: PM Ali al-Zaidi cancelled the $764m Baghdad airport development and a rail project tied to the “Development Road,” citing corruption concerns. Armed Groups Integration: PMF chief Faleh al-Fayyadh urged relocating PMF camps outside cities, while factions say they’ll integrate only if weapons are stored separately and legal guarantees are in place. Economy/Energy: Iraq’s electricity generation is about 22,000 MW, with shortages blamed on reduced Iranian gas supplies; S&P also warned of a tough outlook amid Strait of Hormuz disruption. Public Health Warning: Iraq Green Observatory warned Tigris water contamination with E. coli could trigger serious diseases. World Cup (Iraq): Iraq’s squad is in final preparations ahead of Group I matches, with Aymen Hussein and Ahmed Qasem highlighting hope after a 40-year absence.

Iraq-US-Iran Diplomacy: Iraq’s FM Fuad Hussein spoke by phone with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, discussing efforts toward a US-Iran nuclear understanding and warning against any regional escalation, while Iraq also condemned a reported attack on the UAE’s Barakah plant. Regional Security & Militants: Iraqi forces in Anbar arrested a senior ISIS financial operative, Abu Musab, tied to “allowances” for militants and families, as Baghdad continues pressure to dismantle remaining ISIS networks. Economy Under Pressure: S&P Global reaffirmed Iraq’s sovereign credit ratings at B-/B, citing a tough outlook tied to the Middle East war and the Strait of Hormuz closure; Reuters also reports Iraqi oil exports have fallen sharply, with seaborne shipments down to around 3 million bpd. Kurdistan Politics: KDP says it has begun meetings with Kurdistan Region parties to break the deadlock, with the long-running KDP-PUK dispute still blocking a coalition and feeding wider national political delays. World Cup in Iraq’s Orbit: Iraq’s Aymen Hussein’s World Cup journey is highlighted, while the national team is training in West Virginia ahead of its opener. Markets & Trade: The dollar traded around 155,000 dinars per $100 in Baghdad/Erbil, and Aqaba port reported a 38% cargo jump in H1 2026 driven by transit shipments to Iraq.

Regional Diplomacy: Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein spoke with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, stressing Baghdad’s opposition to any expansion of regional warfare and underscoring the push for a US-Iran nuclear understanding. Security & State Authority: Iraqi forces arrested a senior ISIS financier in al-Anbar, while Iraq’s National Security Service said it foiled an assassination plot targeting its chief and senior officers. Arms Control Debate: Iraqi leaders reiterated that all weapons must stay under state authority, as analysts warn militia influence may persist unless real control is enforced. Economy & Energy Pressure: The US dollar held mixed levels in Baghdad and fell slightly in Erbil, as concerns grow over how Strait of Hormuz disruptions could hit Iraq’s oil-dependent economy. Local Governance & Business: Erbil ranked among the world’s top 1,000 startup cities, reinforcing its growing tech and entrepreneurship profile. Culture & Religion: Karbala, Najaf and Baghdad began early Muharram preparations, with shrines and mourning groups ramping up for Ashura crowds. Sports & Daily Life: World Cup fever is spreading in Baghdad cafes and restaurants as fans line up for matches.

Security Crackdown: Iraq’s National Security Service says it foiled an assassination plot targeting its chief Abdul Karim Al-Basri and senior officers, arresting suspects linked to a Baath-linked front after surveillance and infiltration. State Weapons Policy: Iraq’s top political and judicial leaders reiterated that all weapons must stay under state authority, stressing rule of law and state control over security decisions. Regional Diplomacy Shift: Baghdad condemned Iranian missile strikes on Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, warning against wider confrontation and calling for dialogue as it seeks closer ties with Arab states and the U.S. Jordan-Iraq Security Ties: Jordan’s PM told Iraq’s parliament speaker that Iraq’s security is a pillar of Jordan’s stability, warning about non-state armed groups operating from Iraqi territory. Human Rights/Development: Former Iraqi president Abdul Latif Rashid praised China’s “right to development” approach in a Beijing interview, linking development to everyday human rights. World Cup Politics at the Border: Visa denials and entry barriers continue to shadow the tournament, including reports of Iraq-linked officials facing travel issues.

Security Crackdown: Iraq’s National Security Service says it foiled an assassination plot targeting its chief Abdul Karim al-Basri and senior officers, arresting suspects tied to a front linked to Saddam-era Baathists. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s PM told Iraq’s parliament speaker that Iraq’s security is a pillar of Jordan’s own stability, warning about armed groups operating across the border and in Iraqi territory. Militia Disarmament: Iraq’s new PM Ali al-Zaidi is pushing to restrict weapons to state control and integrate Iran-backed factions into state structures, as the U.S. presses for disarmament amid regional escalation. World Cup Kickoff (Iraq): Iraq’s World Cup return is set with Group I matches in late-night Iraq time, starting with Iraq vs Norway on June 17 (1:00 a.m. AST), after the tournament opener in the U.S. Energy & Shipping: With Hormuz tensions, Reuters reports markets are rethinking how much oil is actually moving, after earlier fears of massive losses. Oil/Corruption Case: U.S. prosecutors seek to seize a Beverly Hills mansion tied to Iraqi Kurdish general Mansour Barzani, alleging proceeds from fuel contracts linked to U.S. operations. Heat & Displacement: A new report warns climate stress is worsening MENA displacement risks as extreme heat and water scarcity collide with weak services and conflict.

World Cup & visas: Iraq’s World Cup return is being overshadowed by US entry problems, with Iraq striker Aymen Hussein questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago O’Hare before being allowed in, while the team photographer Talal Salah was held for 10+ hours and denied entry; Reuters also reports a Somali referee was barred despite a valid visa. Regional security: Iraq condemned attacks on Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, warning renewed escalation could spark a wider regional confrontation and urging dialogue and restraint. Militants in eastern Iraq: Two IS militants, including a local leader, were killed in Diyala airstrikes, followed by ground clearing operations. Arms case in Baghdad: A Baghdad suspect tied to 300 rockets and drones was described as already facing a death sentence and multiple warrants, with allegations still subject to court proceedings. Energy & sovereignty: Iraq’s oil sector focus is shifting toward centralizing control over exports and revenues as Baghdad rebuilds state authority amid Iran pressure and market constraints. Economy & currency: The dollar rose in Baghdad and Erbil markets, with exchange rates moving around the mid-1,500s dinars per dollar. Culture & legacy: Pope Francis’ chair from his 2021 Iraq visit still hasn’t reached Dhi Qar’s archaeological museum, despite a government decision to transfer it.

US-Iran Escalation: The US hit Iran again for a second day, saying it targeted surveillance, communications and air defenses after Tehran’s alleged actions near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iraq’s media reports also tied the fighting to missile activity over the region. Iraq’s Diplomacy: Baghdad condemned attacks on Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait and urged restraint, while Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi pushed closer Baghdad-Damascus security and economic coordination. Arms Under State Control: Iraq’s top leadership reiterated a push to restrict weapons to state authority as pro-Iran factions move toward integration, with Baghdad receiving weapons data from a militia as part of the process. Economy & Energy: Iraq says it’s expanding refining capacity to cut imports and is planning alternative oil export routes via Turkey and Syria as Hormuz disruption continues. Markets: The Iraqi dinar weakened slightly against the US dollar in Baghdad and Erbil. Kurdistan Travel Disruption: Hundreds of Kurds were stranded at Istanbul’s airport amid airspace closures linked to the regional conflict. World Cup Politics: The tournament kicks off amid visa and entry controversies, with Iraq’s World Cup return story and Group I/Group J fixtures drawing attention.

US-Iran Escalation: The US says it launched additional strikes on Iran, while Iran’s IRGC declared the Strait of Hormuz “closed to all vessels,” warning ships could be targeted—raising fears of wider regional disruption. US Embassy Warning: The US Embassy in Baghdad urged Americans to leave Iraq and issued “heightened readiness” alerts, citing possible travel disruptions and airspace closures. Militia Integration Push: Iraq linked militia disarmament to a September deadline tied to the end of the ISIS coalition mission, as pro-Iran groups begin handing over arms data to state structures. Iraq-Jordan Security Ties: Jordan’s PM told Iraq’s parliament speaker that Iraq’s security is a pillar of regional stability, warning about non-state armed activity spilling across borders. Oil Market: Iraq cut July Basrah medium OSP to Asia to plus $0.30/bbl versus June, signaling tighter pricing as routes face Hormuz pressure. Health Watch: Iraq reported 145 Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever cases and nine deaths since early May, with Dhi Qar the hardest hit. World Cup Fallout for Iraqis: As the 2026 tournament kicks off, Iraqi players and staff have faced US entry scrutiny, including reports of an Iraqi striker questioned for hours at Chicago’s O’Hare.

Militia Disarmament Deadline: Iraq set an end-of-September deadline to disarm Iran-backed armed groups as the US-led ISIS coalition mission winds down, linking the push to state control of weapons and warning that some factions tie compliance to foreign troop presence. Arms Integration Move: A pro-Iran militia, Kataib al-Imam Ali, handed over armory and equipment data to Iraq’s Joint Operations Command as Baghdad accelerates integration of armed actors into official security structures. Kurdistan-Baghdad Talks: The KRG proposed a high-level joint committee to settle outstanding issues with Baghdad, spotlighting border systems like ASYCUDA. World Cup Entry Fallout: US immigration and security scrutiny is hitting World Cup participants, including Iraqi player Aymen Hussein being detained and the team photographer denied entry, while a Somali referee Omar Artan was also refused entry amid name-based terrorism concerns. Health Alert: Iraq reported 145 confirmed Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever cases and nine deaths since early 2026, with Dhi Qar most affected. Economic Cooperation: The World Bank renewed support for Iraq’s reform goals, including technical help for budget planning and fiscal stability. Roads & Connectivity: Iraq and the World Bank backed major road upgrades, including a planned desert highway linking al-Ramadi to Nukhaib toward Saudi Arabia. Regional Security Lens: Jordan’s PM stressed that Iraq’s security is central to Jordan’s stability, urging tighter control of non-state armed activity across the border. Oil Route Pressure: With Strait of Hormuz disruption in the background, Iraq is pushing to reroute exports via Syria and Turkey and to reduce dependence on Gulf routes.

Arms Under State Control: Iraq’s push to confine weapons to the state is back in the spotlight after an Iran-aligned faction leader rejected any “understandings” with forces backing Israel, warning that “force and weapons” remain his line. Amnesty Watch: Nineveh’s former governor Nawfal Al-Aakoub was released under Iraq’s General Amnesty Law after years in detention tied to corruption and public-fund waste cases. Drug Crackdown: Iraqi police in Maysan dismantled an international crystal meth network and seized 1 kilogram; separate operations also netted thousands of pills in Anbar. Banking Agenda in London: A high-level Iraqi banking delegation wrapped up talks in London with the Central Bank and private banks, aiming to plug Iraqi private lenders into the global system. Security Pact with Spain: Baghdad approved a bill to ratify a Spain cooperation deal on security and fighting transnational crime, with Spanish forces training Iraqi counterterror units. World Cup Entry Friction: Visa and entry problems hit the tournament’s build-up, including Iraq’s team photographer being denied entry at O’Hare and wider criticism from immigrant advocates in Chicago. Regional Energy Shift: With Hormuz disruption continuing, Iraq and the UAE are advancing alternative oil routes, including expanding exports via Kurdistan–Turkey pipeline links. Road Safety: A rollover near Diwaniyah killed five, including three children, with one woman injured.

PM Visit to Washington: Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is set to travel to the US to seek Trump administration support and attract investment, as Baghdad tries to rein in armed factions and respond to economic pressure from the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Militia Control Push: Coverage highlights the government’s struggle to bring Popular Mobilization Forces-linked groups under state authority, with some factions signaling integration while others resist. Oil Route Pressure: Iraq and Kuwait are working around Hormuz disruption, including Kuwait’s first crude cargoes to Asia since the Iran war and Iraq’s push to boost exports via the Kurdistan-Turkey pipeline network. Regional Security Ties: Jordan’s PM told Iraq’s parliament speaker that Iraq’s security is tied to Jordan’s, warning about armed non-state activity spilling across borders. Humanitarian/Crime: A BBC investigation says more than 300 Iraqi Kurdistan migrants bound for the UK were kidnapped in Libya, tortured, and threatened with forced organ removal unless families paid ransoms. Safety at Home: A vehicle rollover near Diwaniyah killed five people, including three children, with one woman injured. World Cup Friction: Visa and entry problems are hitting the tournament build-up, including reports of Iraq striker Aymen Hussein questioned at Chicago O’Hare and a team photographer denied entry.

Iran-Israel Airspace Shock: Iraq reopened airspace after Iran said it ended military actions against Israel, allowing flights again while authorities keep monitoring regional risks. Militia Threats: As the Iran-Israel fight widens, pro-Tehran groups like Kataib Hezbollah warn they could target US interests and bases in Iraq if Washington intervenes. Iraq’s Summer Power Strain: With war damage and gas supply disruptions, Iraq faces another round of severe electricity outages, pushing Baghdad to buy power from Turkey and Kurdistan to limit blackouts. Oil Routes Diversify: Iraq says export capacity via northern routes linked to Turkey and Syria could reach about 650,000 bpd, aiming to reduce reliance on Hormuz-linked maritime risk. Economy Watch: Consumer prices rose 4.3% year-on-year in April, while Iraq’s fiscal pressure grows amid oil revenue threats. Public Safety & Health: Iraq reported 145 Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever cases and 9 deaths since the start of 2026, with Dhi Qar leading infections. Media Rules: Iraq’s communications regulator banned crime-show formats that reveal criminal details or pre-judge suspects. World Cup Fallout: Two Iraqi delegation members were detained at Chicago’s O’Hare; star striker Aymen Hussein was questioned for hours, while the team photographer was denied entry.

Regional Airspace & Iran-Israel Tensions: Iraq reopened its airspace after a 72-hour closure tied to Iran’s missile strikes on Israel, saying flights to and from all Iraqi airports can resume while authorities keep monitoring. Security in Iraqi Kurdistan: A drone strike hit an Iranian Kurdish opposition camp east of Erbil, with no immediate casualty details released, as tensions keep spilling across the border. Kurdistan Budget Dispute: Iraq’s deputy speaker urged halting transfers to the Kurdistan Regional Government until Baghdad and Erbil settle outstanding non-oil revenue terms. Road Safety Tragedy: A bus crash in southern Iraq near Nassiriya killed 21 and injured 19; officials say bodies were badly burned and investigations are underway. World Cup Fallout for Iraqis: Iraqi fans report visa and entry hurdles for the 2026 World Cup, with some unable to get US consular services in Iraq and forced to travel abroad. Sports & Culture: Iraq’s national team continues World Cup preparations, while diaspora fans are being urged to show up for upcoming friendlies.

Regional Security: Jordan’s PM Jaafar Hassan met Iraq’s Parliament Speaker Halbousi, stressing that Iraq’s security is tied to Jordan’s stability, with growing concern over armed groups operating from Iraqi territory and cross-border airspace threats. Iran-Iraq Cross-Border Tensions: Iran’s IRGC confirmed strikes on Iranian Kurdish opposition positions in Sulaymaniyah, while Iran also said it targeted “terrorist groups” there; Iraqi airspace was shut for 72 hours amid the wider Iran-Israel escalation. US-Iraq Militia Pressure: Kataib Hezbollah warned it could attack US bases if Washington joins Israeli strikes, as other pro-Iran factions move toward integrating weapons under state control. Airspace Closures: Iraq, Syria and Iran closed parts of airspace after missile exchanges, with Kirkuk airport suspending flights and flights disrupted across the region. Road Safety Tragedy: A bus crash and fire in Dhi Qar near Nassiriya killed 21 and injured 19; officials cited driver fatigue and ordered an investigation. Media Crackdown: Iraq’s media regulator barred analyst Sajjad al-Quraishi from appearing on outlets for 45 days and warned Al-Rasheed TV over alleged incitement and rule violations. Sports (Iraq): Iraq’s World Cup return continues to draw attention, including coverage of star Zidane Iqbal and the team’s preparations.

MP Immunity Lifted: Iraq’s judiciary moves to strip MP Hasanain Al-Khafaji’s immunity over alleged $500,000 extortion tied to a Baghdad real-estate project, marking a second immunity push in a week. Deadly Road Crash: A bus-truck crash in southern Iraq killed 21 and injured 19, including Iranian pilgrims. Air Force Response: Iraq’s Air Force rejects criticism of its F-16 capability, citing 20,000+ sorties since 2014. Oil Shock & Cash Printing: Iraq’s Central Bank denies “printing money” claims while issuing about 25T dinars to cover spending as oil exports slump amid the Iran war; the finance committee says a 2026 budget is unlikely. Corruption Probe: Kirkuk road works worth over 4 billion dinars face scrutiny after integrity investigators allege concrete and steel violations and arrest the project engineer. World Cup Drama: Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago’s O’Hare before entry; the team photographer was denied U.S. entry. Sports Build-Up: Iraq holds Spain 1-1 in a pre-World Cup friendly, while the Iraqi federation asks FIFA to allow black shirts for Ashura. Regional Ties: Jordan’s leaders meet Iraq’s parliament speaker, stressing security and expanding energy, trade, and investment cooperation.

World Cup Arrival Scrutiny: Iraq’s striker Aymen Hussein was held and questioned for about seven hours at Chicago’s O’Hare after arriving with the squad, with his phone inspected; he was later released, but team photographer Talal Salah was detained for more than 10 hours and denied entry. Roads Funding: The World Bank approved a $900 million initiative to upgrade Iraq’s road infrastructure, aiming to improve safety, reliability, and economic transport corridors. Anti-Corruption Pressure: Analysis says Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s push to curb corruption faces a tough uphill battle, with Washington also tying cooperation to reforms and militia disarmament. Non-Oil Revenue Push: Iraq plans to raise non-oil revenues to 46% as part of a broader “Iraq 2035” economic diversification agenda. State Control of Weapons: Iraq says its weapons-control effort will focus on PMF-affiliated factions under unified state command, not outside armed groups. Oil Transit Denial: Iraq’s Oil Ministry rejected claims that US forces are stopping tankers over payments to Iran for Strait of Hormuz transit. World Cup Squad Update: Ahmed Hassan Makenzie was called up to replace injured Ahmed Yahya for Iraq’s 2026 World Cup squad.