AGP Executive Report

Sovereignty Push: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi marked Iraq’s National Day by declaring full sovereignty after the end of the Global Coalition mission, saying Iraq now controls decisions, territory, airspace, and that all weapons fall under the commander-in-chief. Cabinet & Security: Political parties are being tasked with naming candidates for the remaining nine ministries, while Baghdad continues its drive to disarm armed groups and keep weapons under state control. Iran-Iraq Flights: Najaf International Airport is set to resume Iran-linked flights, with Iraq securing a US waiver for up to 40 daily Iranian flights (excluding Mahan Air), aimed at easing travel for pilgrims and medical needs. Defense Procurement: Parliament’s security committee backed diversified arms purchases, with Iraq seeking air-defense and thermal systems to meet its defense needs. Regional Energy Talks: Iraq and Türkiye advanced a draft deal to govern oil exports via Ceyhan, including new technical committees to expand capacity and investment. Regional Tensions: Yemen’s Houthis claimed attacks on a Saudi Aramco facility near Riyadh as the Saudi-Houthi exchange escalates. International Response: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other world leaders congratulated Iraq on National Day, reaffirming ties as Iraq reshapes its post-coalition security posture.

Najaf Flight Deal: Iraq secured a US sanctions waiver allowing Iranian airlines (excluding Mahan Air) to operate up to 40 daily flights to and from Najaf International Airport, after Baghdad framed the route as serving pilgrims, patients, students and tourism. Sovereignty & Diplomacy: As Iraq marked National Day, world leaders sent congratulations to President Nizar Amedi, including King Charles III and Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, highlighting continued bilateral cooperation. Post-Withdrawal Security: With the US-led coalition mission ending and “Sovereignty Days” passing, Iraq’s ruling Shiite Coordination Framework urged “complete and comprehensive de-escalation,” while Baghdad moves toward a June 30, 2027 timeline to bring weapons outside state control under government authority. Nineveh Building Row: PMF forces blocked a Shabak-linked protest in the Nineveh Plains over construction restrictions, after Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court upheld earlier decisions lifting limits on registered private land. Tech & Infrastructure: Iraq signed a data-center MoU with Huawei during ITEX 2026, and Baghdad hosted a motorsports festival celebrating Sovereignty Day and National Day. Regional Pressure: The US announced a new Hamas finance crackdown, while Iran and Iraq continued trading accusations and demands over flight restrictions tied to sanctions.

US-Iraq Sovereignty Shift: Iraq marked the end of the US-led coalition mission as Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi oversaw the final handover, with Baghdad framing it as a new phase of sovereignty and stronger state control while Washington says it will keep regional intelligence capabilities. Security Watch: Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein warned of rising ISIS risk after the pullout, stressing Iraq is preparing to confront any spillover from Syria and pushing for continued international cooperation on detainee repatriation. Iran Flight Dispute: Iran urged Iraq to restore normal air travel and reject US “economic terrorism” after Iraq suspended flights amid sanctions pressure; meanwhile Tehran’s international flights reportedly fell 42% and the US authorized limited Najaf–Iran flights starting in October. Militia Deadlines: As Iraq sets deadlines to bring weapons under state control, pro-Iran factions and groups like Kataib Hezbollah signal continued resistance to disarmament. Regional Politics & Economy: Kurdistan’s President Nechirvan Barzani is set to attend Davos to discuss ways to calm the region, while OPEC+ delayed its 2027 capacity review due to war-related disruptions. Tech & Society: Iraq’s CMC said a Korek Telecom court ruling reinstates a debt settlement but not the shutdown; Zain Iraq began official iPhone 18 Pro sales, and the Iraqi Football Association signed a Hudl Wyscout deal to boost global scouting.

Sovereignty Phase: Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi declared the end of the U.S.-led coalition mission and said Oct. 1 begins a new “sovereignty phase,” with a roadmap to bring weapons under state control by June 30, 2027. Weapons-Control Deadline: Pro-Iran factions and groups tied to the Coordination Framework signaled partial alignment, but multiple armed actors publicly refused to disarm on a simple timeline, keeping the core dispute alive. Kurdistan’s Position: President Nechirvan Barzani said war-and-peace decisions must stay with Iraq’s state institutions and urged constitutional settlement of disputes, while thanking coalition partners for anti-ISIS support. Security Concerns: As U.S. forces complete withdrawal, Iraq faces fresh uncertainty over a potential security vacuum and the next phase of militia-state relations. Regional Fallout: Iran and its allies framed the withdrawal as “expulsion” and victory, while the U.S. simultaneously signaled possible escalation against Iran, including reports of additional carrier and Marine deployments to the Middle East. Diplomatic Pressure: Canada raised travel warnings, urging citizens to avoid all travel to Iraq amid volatility. Turkey-Iraq Base Handover: Türkiye said it will gradually hand over the Bashiqa-Zilkan base to Iraqi authorities, linking the move to progress on Sinjar and state security efforts. Economy & Daily Life: UNOPS awarded a Sinjar housing rehabilitation contract for 42 units, as Baghdad pushes the post-coalition transition.

US-Iraq Sovereignty Pivot: The Pentagon says the last US-led coalition troops have left Iraq, ending the 12-year anti-ISIS mission and marking “Sovereignty Days” in Baghdad—yet officials and analysts warn sovereignty is incomplete while weapons remain outside state control. Arms Control Roadmap: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi says a phased plan starts now, with a June 30, 2027 deadline to bring faction weapons under state authority; but Iran-backed groups reject timelines and insist their arms stay with fighters. Militias Push Back: Kataib Hezbollah and the wider Islamic Resistance in Iraq deny any disarmament deal, while the government signals “serious” steps to restrict unauthorized weapons. Regional Power Reactions: Iran’s IRGC calls the withdrawal a “historic victory” and urges broader US exit; Iraq’s Kurdish forces say they face a new security era as coalition support ends. Turkey’s Base Handover: Türkiye will gradually hand over the Bashiqa-Zilkan base near Mosul to Iraqi authorities, linking it to Baghdad’s Sinjar security steps. Security Uncertainty: Reports say the US may still consider strikes if threats emerge, even after the formal end of operations. Economy & Daily Life: Al-Taif Islamic Bank begins phased, percentage-based withdrawals after central bank guardianship.

US-Iraq Sovereignty: Iraq marked “Sovereignty Days” as the US formally completed its withdrawal and ended the anti-ISIS coalition mission, with Baghdad stressing a shift to Iraqi-led security and continued cooperation on intelligence and training. Militias & Security Vacuum Fears: Iraqi officials and analysts warned that Iran-aligned armed groups may resist disarmament, with Kataib Hezbollah and others signaling they are not bound by timelines as the government moves toward tighter state control of weapons. Weapons Under State Control: Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Baghdad is drafting a plan to restrict arms to the state, targeting implementation by June 2027, while Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi urged armed groups to unify under one national doctrine. Regional Pressure & Iran: The pullout comes as US-Iran tensions intensify, including reports of renewed strikes around the Strait of Hormuz and Iran saying it received a US response to its latest proposal. Kurdistan Watch: Kurdish leaders and officials raised concerns about air-defense gaps and the risks of reduced coalition support.

Operation Inherent Resolve Ends: The US and coalition formally concluded the 12-year anti-ISIS mission in Iraq, with the last troops and equipment departing Erbil Air Base and the Pentagon saying Iraq now leads security while Washington shifts to targeted training and intelligence support. Sovereignty Days & Baghdad’s Line: Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi marked the handover in Baghdad, calling it a new phase of Iraqi responsibility and sovereignty, while security adviser Qasim Al-Araji said ties with coalition partners will continue through bilateral intelligence and cooperation. Kurdistan Air-Defense Gap: As coalition forces leave, Erbil faces a growing air-defense concern after drone strikes hit Azadi Camp in Koya, spotlighting who will protect KRI skies. Regional Power Shift Fears: Multiple reports warn the pullout could embolden Iran-backed militias and leave room for ISIS remnants, even as Iran hails the exit as a victory. Local Security Incidents: Three men were killed in separate attacks in Maysan, and Erbil lawyers volunteered to represent families of two Kurdish teenagers killed in Altun Kupri, pushing for an impartial military investigation. Erbil Sports Upgrade: Erbil SC is renovating Franso Hariri Stadium ahead of a Gulf Champions League clash.

US Withdrawal & Security Vacuum: US forces began leaving their remaining bases in Iraq this week, with Iraqi officials warning the pullout could embolden Iran-backed militias and give Islamic State space to regroup. Armed Factions & State Control: Four Iraqi factions said they would place weapons under state control only if conditions are met, including withdrawal of foreign forces, removal of Iranian opposition groups and PKK, and stronger limits on foreign aircraft using Iraqi airspace. PMF Law Push: Iraq’s Council of Ministers approved a draft law governing the Popular Mobilization Forces and sent it to parliament, while anti-corruption coordination with Jordan also advanced. Iran Flights Under Sanctions: Iraqi Airways will resume Najaf–Iran flights in October after a US sanctions waiver, but only under strict limits tied to pilgrims and cargo rules. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: An Iraqi court sentenced MP Mohammed Farman Shaher Salman al-Jubouri to seven years for illicit enrichment as part of the “Dawn Crackdown,” while another businessman was arrested in the Al-Jumaili case. Foreign Labor Regulation: A senior military official urged tighter oversight of foreign workers to balance labor needs with security and social risks. Watan Initiative: The government moved to speed up Iraq’s one-million residential plots program, including a new real-estate database and online registration.

US Troop Exit and Kurdish Security: Iraqi Kurdistan leaders called the planned end of the US military presence “shameful,” warning that without air defenses and with Iran-linked militias refusing to disarm, the region is left exposed as Washington completes its withdrawal by Sept. 30. US-Iran Proxy Tensions: Iran and its allies traded claims over Yemen’s Houthi advances, with US reporting alleging IRGC advisers helped direct operations, while Tehran denied direct control. Iraqi Airways and Sanctions Pressure: Iraq’s transport ministry says Iraqi Airways will resume Iran flights in October after securing a “special exemption,” with services initially routed via Najaf—after Iraq halted Iranian flights amid US sanctions. Aviation Fallout: A Caspian Airlines aircraft was seized in Turkey over an alleged $3.5m debt, highlighting how sanctions and war-linked disruptions are hitting Iranian aviation. Militia Threats After Withdrawal: Kata’ib Hezbollah-linked figures vowed to monitor Iraqi airspace and shoot down “hostile” aircraft after the coalition deadline, tying the stance to demands to resume Iran air traffic. KRG Budget Dispute: Erbil accused Baghdad of lowering its census share and demanded a 14.14% allocation in the 2027 budget, citing long-running underpayments since 2014. Italy Ends Iraq Role: Italy completed withdrawal of its last troops from Iraq, ending a 12-year mission while leaving a small EU presence under EUAM Iraq. Iraq Stock Market Link-Up: The Iraq Stock Exchange went live on ADX’s Tabadul platform, expanding cross-border access for investors.

Najaf-Iran Flights Row: Iraq’s ambassador in Tehran says Najaf International Airport will reopen to Iranian flights within 24 hours, as Iran files a formal ICAO complaint over US aviation restrictions—though Iran’s civil aviation chief denies any restart and Iraqi Airways says it resumed Najaf-Iran services after “intensive efforts” by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Top-Level Politics: Iraq’s president, PM, parliament speaker and judiciary chief back a Najaf exemption from US measures and reiterate that decisions on war, peace and weapons must stay with the state, while Kataib Hezbollah warns it could bring down the government if the “air blockade” continues. Security & Sovereignty: The US completes its withdrawal from Iraq, handing over major bases and shifting the focus to Baghdad’s ability to manage Iran-aligned militias amid ongoing ISIS and regional threats. Energy Watch: Iraq boosts Kirkuk export allocations to about 250,000 bpd via the Saralu-Ceyhan route as storage capacity at the port nears limits. Humanitarian Returns: Around 130 Yazidi families begin returning from Duhok’s Shariya camp to Sinjar, supported by IOM-linked assistance. Regional Spotlight: Iraq wins the right to host Gulf Cup 28.

US-Iraq Security Handover: Iraq says the US has fully withdrawn and Baghdad now has the final say over foreign security presence, with the coalition mission set to end as Iraq shifts to bilateral cooperation. Kurdistan Air-Defense Worry: Erbil’s Peshmerga ministry warns that the Sept. 30 coalition exit leaves the KRI exposed, citing heavy drone and missile targeting during the US-Iran war and calling for stronger air-defense planning. Iran Flight Restrictions at the Top Table: Iraq’s top state leaders are set to meet over limits on Iranian flights and US sanctions warnings to airports, as Baghdad tries to manage armed-faction weapons under state control. Regional Energy Shift: Analysis says the Iraq-Syria border is becoming a key energy corridor as Syria ships gasoline to Iraq and cross-border trade grows amid Hormuz disruption. Oil Market Pressure: Saudi crude supply reportedly hit a 30+ year low after attacks, while Middle Eastern crude exports rose to the highest level since February. Integrity & Anti-Corruption: Iraq’s Integrity Commission detained suspects over illicit wealth and money laundering, including a Baghdad forgery case. Cultural Heritage: Iraq recovered 80+ smuggled artifacts as Baghdad continues efforts to reclaim antiquities abroad. Diplomacy: President Barzani met Switzerland’s ambassador to discuss expanding ties with both Erbil and Baghdad. Sports: Iraq won Gulf Cup hosting rights for the 28th edition.

Iran-Flight Sanctions Pressure: Baghdad is seeking US exemptions to restore civilian flights with Iran, as Iranian officials warn Iraqi airports face penalties for servicing sanctioned carriers; Najaf says its airport is not exempt and has suspended Iran flights since Sept. 25. Security & Media Coordination: Iraq’s Security Media Cell says it’s working with Kuwait to unify security messaging and set direct communication channels to curb rumors. Armed Factions vs State Control: In Erbil, the pro-Iran Ashab al-Kahf militia warns it may abandon commitments if Baghdad backtracks on guarantees amid a phased plan to regulate weapons and integrate fighters into state institutions. Basra Oil Jobs Dispute: Workers at the FCC project in Basra hold an open-ended sit-in demanding Oil Ministry reinstatement after security dispersed protests, injuring four and arresting five. Karbala Housing Investment: Iraq’s National Investment Commission signed licences for 60,000 residential plots in Karbala under a one-million serviced plots initiative. Diplomacy & Appointments: Iraq’s new ambassador to the US, Krikor Der Hagopian, presented credentials to President Trump, pledging a new era in Iraqi-American ties. Regional Energy Flow: Syria has begun transporting gasoline to Iraq via the Banias oil terminal under a renewable three-month deal.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran is waiting on a formal US response after Washington rejected a seven-day reopening plan, as Trump frames the offer as a bid by Iran to “make a deal” while “losing so badly.” Iran Flight Curbs Hit Iraq Politics: Baghdad’s suspension of Iranian airline flights is now a major domestic flashpoint, with the Shiite Coordination Framework meeting PM Ali Al-Zaidi to weigh political fallout and whether to keep the restrictions while Iraq negotiates US exemptions for humanitarian and civilian travel. US Sanctions Pressure on Iraqi Aviation: A senior Iraqi source says Washington warned that sanctions could extend beyond Iranian airlines to any airport or service provider handling those flights, pushing Baghdad to halt services while seeking carve-outs. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Iraq’s Integrity Commission arrested two bribery suspects in separate cases tied to land lease renewals and delayed pension salary releases. KRG vs Financial Times: Kurdistan’s government accused the Financial Times of misrepresenting PM Masrour Barzani’s remarks on the coalition withdrawal, arguing the region’s air-defense vulnerability is the core issue. Basra-Khor Abdullah Dispute: A Basra movement urged Iraq to prioritize the disputed Khor Abdullah waterway in a new Iraq-Kuwait committee, calling for independent legal and technical panels. Kurdistan Peshmerga Funding Cut: The US-led coalition has halted financial aid to KRG Peshmerga after a four-year agreement expired, aligning with a broader end to coalition combat and training roles by Sept. 30. Coalition HQ Closure: Iraq says the US-led coalition headquarters will close on Sept. 30 as Baghdad prepares to mark Oct. 1 “Sovereignty Day.” Dollar Cash Shipments: Iraq says it reached an understanding with the US to resume physical dollar banknote shipments, with another delivery expected soon.

Iraq-US Sanctions Talks: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s team says Baghdad has reached an understanding with Washington to keep cash dollar shipments flowing, with a new shipment expected soon, as the wider sanctions squeeze continues. Iran Flight Ban Fallout: Iraq’s Najaf and other airports have suspended Iranian flights amid US aviation sanctions pressure, while Iraqi officials and the ambassador in Tehran insist the disruption is temporary and are pushing to restore normal air travel. Arms and State Control: Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan told the UN that Riyadh supports Iraq’s move to bring weapons under state control, while warning against using Iraqi territory to strike neighbors. Protests and Governance: Baghdad braces for five days of protests starting Sunday over public-sector jobs, budget inclusion, education and employment demands, and delays in grants and appointments. Sovereignty Days: Iraq’s Cabinet declared a four-day holiday from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 marking “Sovereignty Days” tied to the coalition withdrawal timeline. Environment and Modernization: Karbala launched Iraq’s first smart waste collection system using an underground network to move waste to transfer stations. Regional Trade and Borders: An Iraqi maritime expert warned that Iraq’s maritime boundaries need legal clarification under international law, after Kuwait objected to new UN-submitted coordinates. Politics at Home: A Shafaq News report highlights how Iraq’s political parties often overlap with armed factions, testing constitutional limits as Baghdad pushes weapons control. Sports: Iraq’s national team rallied to beat Kuwait 3-2 in Gulf Cup 27, with the Iraqi FA promising rewards.

Iraq-US Aviation Talks: Baghdad says it’s in direct talks with Washington to exempt some Iraqi airports from US sanctions tied to Iranian airlines, aiming to restart flights for humanitarian and civilian needs like medical treatment, education, and religious visits. Airport Shutdowns & Legal Pushback: Najaf suspended Iran flights, and parliament’s first deputy speaker Adnan al-Dulaimi warned the restrictions are “unconstitutional,” warning they could hit pilgrimage-linked revenues and even trigger retaliation over gas supplies. Militia Pressure: Iran-aligned groups, including Harakat al-Nujaba, threatened airport sit-ins unless flights resume, accusing Baghdad of letting Washington control Iraq’s aviation decisions. Regional Escalation Over Hormuz: Iran is waiting on a US response after proposing a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and pause fighting, while reports say Trump is skeptical and may resume bombing after midterms. Power & Water Strain: Iraq’s grid still relies on imported electricity for 41% of supply, while hydro output has fallen sharply due to drought and maintenance shortfalls.

Iran-Iraq Aviation Crisis: US sanctions on Iranian airlines are rippling into Iraq, with Najaf suspending all Iran flights and Baghdad, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah also enforcing bans; Iran warns regional air travel could be “available to everyone or to no one,” while Iran-aligned Iraqi faction Harakat al-Nujaba threatens airport sit-ins unless flights resume. UN Diplomacy & Iraq’s Pitch: Iraqi PM Ali Al-Zaidi used the UN General Assembly to urge investment in Iraq, push energy corridor ideas to diversify routes beyond Hormuz, and reaffirm anti-corruption and state-building plans. Iraq-Kuwait Roadmap: Iraq and Kuwait agreed to a joint working group to review outstanding disputes and deliver a roadmap to leaders within 30 days, including navigation and maritime border issues around Khor Abdullah. Regional Power Shifts: Analysis says Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” is being reshaped as some proxies face military and political pressure, while disarmament—especially for Hezbollah—remains a major sticking point. Kirkuk Enforcement: Police arrested three men for banned electrofishing in the Little Zab River and seized their equipment. Kurdistan Cultural & Community News: Erbil hosted a photography exhibition on Kurdish history after Anfal and reconstruction, while Kifri saw a Turkmen-language school and kindergarten building handed over by the Rwanga Foundation.