AGP Executive Report

Emergency Security Move: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an emergency meeting of the Ministerial Council for National Security after US-Saudi strikes hit Iran-linked “logistics and weapons sites” across Iraq, as Baghdad weighs next steps amid rising retaliation fears. Cross-Border Escalation: The Popular Mobilization Forces said at least 20 fighters were killed and 32 wounded in the overnight raids, while the US said it intercepted an Iranian missile barrage and warned Iran-backed groups to stop attacks. Regional Messaging: Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the strikes as an attempt to expand the war, and Jordan reported intercepting five missiles launched from Iran toward its territory. Militia Politics at Home: Muqtada al-Sadr urged Iran and Iran-aligned armed groups not to target Iraqi territory, calling for stronger state sovereignty and warning against dragging Iraq into a “pointless war.” Energy Pressure: With oil and shipping risks climbing, Saudi Arabia also affirmed its strikes were in self-defence after drones allegedly launched from Iraq targeted Saudi oil facilities. Iraq-Türkiye Deal Track: Separately, Erdoğan said Türkiye could receive up to 1 million barrels per day from Iraq under a new energy cooperation plan discussed in Ankara.

Iraq-Türkiye Energy & Security Push: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi wrapped up talks in Ankara with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, agreeing to speed up the Development Road corridor and finalize broader energy cooperation, including Iraq supplying Türkiye with 1 million barrels per day; Baghdad also moved to deepen security and defense industry coordination. Kirkuk Politics: The KDP bloc ended its boycott of the Kirkuk Provincial Council and will return to sessions, citing citizen demands and its oversight role amid Iraq’s anti-corruption push. Saudi-Iran Drone Fallout Hits Iraq’s Neighborhood: Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed drones launched from Iraqi territory targeting Eastern Province oil facilities, warning it will respond if attacks continue; Baghdad ordered investigations and reiterated it will not allow its land to be used against neighbors. Regional Escalation, US-Iran Tensions: The US said Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at American forces; all were intercepted, while mediators try to restore a ceasefire as the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Domestic Pressure in Baghdad: Iraq’s diesel shortage worsened, with long queues reported and emergency imports being prepared as refinery work delays and reduced deliveries bite into supply. KRI Under Strain: Iraq’s Interior Minister said the Kurdistan Region is being targeted from multiple directions and urged concrete steps to stop attacks, stressing the KRI should not become an arena for settling conflicts.

Iraq-Turkey Pivot: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Ankara for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on expanding economic ties, security cooperation, and water management, with a pipeline corridor from Basra to Turkey and Syria also on the agenda. Drone Tensions in the North: Multiple explosions rocked Erbil near the US consulate after Iranian drone strikes, while separate reports said a drone hit an artillery storage facility in Sulaimani province tied to the PUK. Regional Fallout Over Saudi Claims: Saudi Arabia condemned drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory and urged Baghdad to stop its land being used for aggression, as Iraq ordered probes into the allegations and Iran-backed militias denied involvement. Anti-Corruption Push: Iraq’s Integrity Commission seized 2.5 billion dinars in Saladin and courts ordered MP Alia Nassif to compensate an Interior Ministry advisor for defamation. Daily Life Pressure: A kerosene shortage worsened in Baghdad, with longer queues as refineries struggle to meet demand. Pilgrimage Update: Arbaeen arrivals kept rising, with 2.14 million pilgrims entering Iraq since Muharram began. Ukraine-Iraq Spat: Kyiv rejected Iraq’s national security adviser claims that Ukraine was behind attacks in Iraq, calling them baseless.

Saudi-Iraq Drone Row: Saudi Arabia says it intercepted and destroyed drones launched from Iraqi territory aimed at oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh, blaming Iran-backed militias; Iraqi Response: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation and warned Iraq will not allow its soil to be used to attack neighbors; Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait condemned the attacks as a violation of sovereignty and UN rules, reaffirming solidarity with Riyadh; Militia Denial: Iraq’s Islamic Resistance rejected the Saudi claims and warned any Saudi response would trigger retaliation; US-Iran Pause: As Washington and Tehran kept up a strike lull for a third day, Trump said there’s a “good chance” of a deal while Iran denied direct negotiations; Domestic Governance: Dhi Qar’s court sentenced a former Nasiriyah municipality official to six years for bribery, and a fire broke out at Ain Al-Asad Air Base with no casualties reported.

Lebanon-Iraq Security & Diplomacy: Lebanon’s “pilot zones” in the south began as the Lebanese army deploys in phased areas after Israeli withdrawals, testing whether the state can extend sovereignty beyond armed groups—an issue that also ties into Iraq’s push for closer regional partnership. Kurdistan Security: KRG PM Masrour Barzani said drones targeting Erbil were launched from Mosul, urging Baghdad to stop attacks as the US-led coalition prepares to leave. Kirkuk Arbaeen Logistics: Kirkuk International Airport started receiving foreign Arbaeen pilgrims for the first time, coordinating security and transport to Karbala. Fuel Rationing in Erbil: The KRG launched a trial electronic-card system for subsidized fuel, limiting “Normal” subsidized gasoline to 40 liters per vehicle daily amid shortages. US-Iran War Accounting & Ceasefire Talks: The Pentagon revised down Iran-war casualty figures and created a new “Overseas Operations” category, while mediators reported progress toward renewed negotiations as US and Iran paused attacks for a second straight day. Shipping Pressure on Iraq’s Oil: Data showed traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz stayed subdued as Red Sea risks rose, keeping energy routes tight for Iraq’s export revenues. Corruption Probe: Iraq seized over $125m in gold and cash in an oil corruption case.

US-Iran Pause & Iraq’s Security: The US and Iran paused attacks for a second straight day as talks over an interim Strait of Hormuz ceasefire continued, while the Pentagon kept shifting how it counts casualties—adding a new “Overseas Operations” category and restoring/adjusting figures after lawmakers questioned transparency. Casualty-Counting Fallout: The Pentagon’s Defense Casualty Analysis System now lists four deaths and 207 wounded under the new category starting July 7, after earlier drops sparked Senate Armed Services Committee demands for answers. Erbil Under Pressure: Drones were intercepted over Erbil, with explosions and smoke near the airport and US consulate area, underscoring how Iraq’s Kurdistan remains a flashpoint even amid pauses. Iraq-Lebanon Energy Talks: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi met Lebanon’s PM Nawaf Salam in Baghdad on energy, security, and possible new oil pipeline links to the Mediterranean as Beirut seeks steadier fuel supplies. Kuwait-Iraq Border Reopens: The Abdali crossing reopened after a drone attack caused damage but no casualties, with both sides stressing “deep-rooted” ties and readiness to stop attempts to disrupt trade. KRG Fuel Price Review: Kurdistan officials are set to reassess proposed fuel price changes after meetings aimed at easing shortages and rising gasoline costs. Regional Diplomacy: Iraq’s PM is also set for visits to Ankara and Saudi Arabia, with talks expected to cover security cooperation and the war’s impact on regional stability.

Iraq–Syria Energy Pivot: Iraq’s cabinet approved steps to revive a pipeline linking Iraqi oil to Mediterranean export routes, authorizing Basra Oil to sign an MoU with Syria’s energy ministry and positioning the project as a hedge against disruptions on Gulf and Turkey-linked channels. Anti-Corruption Drive: Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council seized IQD 27 billion in the Adnan al-Jumaili oil corruption case, with investigators tracing alleged waste-linked proceeds and continuing to pursue additional suspects and assets. Infrastructure Push: The Ministry of Transport says preliminary designs for the Development Road Project and railway corridor are 100% complete, moving into detailed engineering for bridges, stations and supporting facilities. Kurdistan Contract File: MPs are seeking to move Kurdistan Region contract employees onto permanent federal payrolls through the next budget law, aiming to resolve long-running job security gaps. Border Disruptions Ease: Kuwait reopened the Abdali crossing with Iraq after drone damage, restoring a key Safwan–Abdaly gateway for trade and passenger travel. Local Jobs Clash in Kirkuk: The Kirkuk Engineers Syndicate accused BP of sidelining local talent and demanded an 85% local hiring quota, warning of legal action and protests if ignored. Arbaeen Mobilization: Iraq declared public holidays for Arbaeen commemoration and religious authorities urged scholars not to discourage visits to Imam Hussein’s shrine as millions prepare to travel to Karbala.

Iraq-Kuwait Border Reopening: Kuwait says the Abdaly crossing with Iraq will reopen to passenger and commercial traffic within 48 hours after damage assessment following recent drone attacks, with both sides stressing “brotherhood” and renewed security coordination. PM al-Zaidi’s Diplomacy & Anti-Corruption: Iraq’s Victory Alliance backed Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, praising his anti-corruption push and his engagement with both Washington and Tehran after a US trip that produced dozens of agreements and a follow-up visit to Tehran. Arbaeen Pilgrimage Surge: Iraq reports more than 1.27 million foreign religious visitors entering since Muharram began, with 2025 Arbaeen totals cited as a benchmark for Karbala attendance. Economy & Energy Pressure: Iraq’s non-oil revenues hit a record 16% of total income in May-June, but officials warn Hormuz disruptions keep crude exports central. Oil Export Routes: Iraq’s delegation met Turkey to expand crude exports via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline toward Ceyhan, aiming to protect revenues amid regional security shocks. CBI Overhaul: The Central Bank approved a restructuring to strengthen oversight of non-bank financial institutions and adjust internal directorates ahead of a July 30 implementation. Security in Erbil: A booby-trapped drone was shot down near the US consulate in Erbil with no casualties reported, as the Kurdistan region faces repeated drone incidents.

US-Iran Escalation: The U.S. expanded strikes deeper into Iran, hitting bridges and infrastructure, while Iran continued targeting American strongholds across the Gulf; the Strait of Hormuz remains the flashpoint as Washington also fired on merchant vessels trying to breach its blockade. Regional Spillover for Iraq-Kuwait: Kuwait’s Abdaly border crossing was hit by repeated drone strikes, prompting temporary closures and heightened security at the Safwan link; Kuwait’s interior minister said ties with Iraq won’t be disrupted. Diplomacy Under Strain: Multiple reports say Iraq is not mediating a U.S.-Iran ceasefire proposal, as both Washington and Tehran signal no clear off-ramp. Women in Leadership: Iraq’s President Nizar Amedi urged political blocs to expand women’s representation in senior posts, including a push for a women’s affairs ministry. Arbaeen Green Push: Iraq’s Green Observatory called for lower plastic use, less food waste, and cleaner waste management by Arbaeen service tents. Pilgrimage Demand: Kurdistan Region received nearly 12,000 Hajj applications, with only about 5,120 expected to travel through the official process. Corruption Case Echoes: A new corruption-related report highlights gold bars and cash found hidden in Iraq, feeding renewed calls for accountability.

US-Iran Escalation in Iraq: The US carried out a strike near the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iraq and Iran, killing two and injuring 11, as fighting continues with a 13th straight night of US strikes and Iran targeting US-linked sites across the region. Security Alerts: The US issued new travel warnings for Americans in Iraq, Jordan and elsewhere, citing possible flight disruptions and airspace closures amid rising tensions. Drone Crackdown in Baghdad: Iraqi forces raided a PMF-affiliated site in Jurf Al-Naddaf after finding a drone manufacturing workshop allegedly used to target the US Embassy and Baghdad International Airport; authorities also cited earlier INSS action dismantling another drone facility. Iraq’s Development Stalls: Iraq’s Parliamentary Services and Reconstruction Committee says 1,800+ public projects are stalled nationwide, with major delays hitting electricity, water, sewage and roads. Diplomacy Through Baghdad: Prime Minister Al-Zaidi’s Tehran visit produced transport/rail agreements and a twinning arrangement, while Baghdad again rejected any plan to let its territory be used against Iran. Iraq Economy Track: Iraq accelerated World Trade Organization accession talks in Geneva as part of broader economic reform and diversification.

Iraq-Iran Diplomacy: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi wrapped up a high-level visit to Tehran with Iran, pledging to deepen strategic cooperation and draft a long-term framework across political, security, economic, cultural and infrastructure ties, while Baghdad reiterated it will not allow Iraqi territory to be used against Iran. Regional Security: Explosions and drone activity hit Iraq’s Kurdistan capital Erbil, with reports of drones shot down near Erbil International Airport and a separate AP account of blasts near a U.S.-hosting base, as the U.S. and Iran continued escalating strikes across the Gulf. Ceasefire Deadlock: Iran rejected a New York Times claim that a 10-day U.S. ceasefire proposal was conveyed via al-Zaidi, blaming U.S. violations of the June 18 memorandum and dismissing the report as misleading. War Powers Pressure (US): In Washington, the House approved a nonbinding resolution urging Trump to end the Iran war, while the Senate fell short on a binding measure—showing growing political pressure even as airstrikes continue. Energy Shock: With Brent back above $100 and Strait of Hormuz risks rising, Gulf states accelerated plans to bypass chokepoints via pipelines, while Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping added fresh pressure. Rights & Consular Concerns: A Shia rights group urged Iraq to intervene with Egypt to secure the release of detained Iraqi visitors held after attending a mourning ceremony in Cairo.

US-Iran Escalation: President Trump says he’s “close to making a decision” on a “massive attack” on Iran as strikes and retaliatory drone/missile attacks hit across the Gulf, while the UN warns the region is nearing “the unimaginable.” Red Sea Shock: Houthis claim attacks on Saudi tankers, pushing Brent above $100 and raising fears of wider disruption at Bab el-Mandeb. Iraq’s Balancing Diplomacy: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi meets Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, signing four cooperation deals on transport, rail, sister-city ties, and public administration—while Baghdad reiterates it won’t allow its territory to be used against Tehran. Energy Corridor Push: Iraq and Syria sign an MoU for an 800-kilometer oil pipeline from Haditha to Baniyas, with Chevron and partners set to support execution. Kurdistan Court Tension: Jailed opposition leader Lahur Sheikh Jangi says he’ll appear in court only if the process is free from party interference. Armed Groups Shift: Reports say Iraq’s Iranian-backed “resistance” coordination committee has collapsed as factions move toward handing over weapons and shifting to politics. US Politics Spillover: The US House passes a war powers resolution on Iran with four Republicans joining Democrats, while the Senate rejects a similar effort.

Iraq-Iran Diplomacy: Iraqi PM Ali Al-Zaidi arrived in Tehran for a two-day visit focused on energy, agriculture, investment, and de-escalation, with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian calling the relationship “unbreakable” and stressing cooperation on security and regional stability. Border Attacks & Escalation: Iran-linked strikes hit the Shalamcheh crossing area, killing two and wounding 11, while missiles also struck Kuwait’s Abdali border crossing through Iraqi airspace; Kuwait closed the crossing after the attack. US-Iran War Spillover: The US says it completed a 12th straight night of strikes on Iran as Iran and its forces trade claims of hitting US bases in Kuwait and Jordan, including air-defense sites and fuel infrastructure. Airspace & Aviation Impact: Iraq introduced temporary air routes connecting Baghdad and Tehran flight information regions to ease traffic flow after months of disruptions, while EU safety guidance still flags Iraqi airspace as high risk. Domestic Governance & Security: Iraq named a new head for the Special Division, part of a broader reshuffle, and appointed new senior security leadership. Jobs Pressure: A new report highlights Iraq’s graduate job drought, with limited government hiring capacity as the economy struggles to absorb new entrants.

US-Iran War Fallout: President Trump attended a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base for four US service members killed in Jordan and Iraq, as Washington escalates threats of retaliation against Iran’s infrastructure over Strait of Hormuz ship attacks. Iraq Security Reshuffle: Iraq abolished the Joint Operations Command and folded its functions into the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, with leadership and provincial command impacts still unclear. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Investigators seized 13 billion Iraqi dinars, $400,000, and 40 gold bars in Saladin tied to Oil Ministry undersecretary Adnan Al-Jumaili, as the “Dawn Crackdown” continues. Health Crisis: Nineveh faces a cancer medicine shortage after import delays and reduced Health Ministry funding, leaving oncology patients without treatment. Personal Status Law Dispute: Baghdad lawyers are refusing custody-removal cases, citing legal and rights objections tied to Jaafari Code provisions under Iraq’s personal status framework. Energy & Pipelines: Iraq and Syria moved into preparatory studies to rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, with Chevron managing technical and financial aspects. Regional Shipping Pressure: Houthi threats forced Saudi oil tankers to reroute in the Red Sea, adding new strain to Middle East energy and trade routes.

Iraq–US–Iran War Costs & Politics: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate hearing the Iran war has cost $37.5bn so far and pushed for a $1.5tn defense budget, with lawmakers also facing public backlash and questions over casualty reporting. Regional Security & Diplomacy: As Washington weighs diplomacy but keeps striking, Iraq’s role keeps surfacing in the wider push to manage escalation across Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. Arbaeen Preparations: Iraq’s government is gearing up for Arbaeen with a security plan activated July 20, 52.5bn dinars allocated, and 2,400 buses leased to move pilgrims toward Karbala. Anti-Corruption Oversight: Iraq’s Federal Board of Supreme Audit is under scrutiny after claims that some audit offices failed to catch or report violations, prompting calls for parliament to review performance and pursue legal action. Pilgrimage & Cross-Border Coordination: Iran says 1.3m+ people have registered via its Samah system, while both sides coordinate services and transport for the mass religious event. Christian Return Appeal: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi urged Christians to return after a mass exodus, but critics say security, rule of law, and political representation remain the real sticking points. Security Crackdown: Baghdad security forces reportedly dismantled child trafficking networks and disrupted a drone manufacturing workshop, underscoring the government’s tightening security posture.

Iraq Anti-Corruption Push: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi told ministers to remove officials “against whom suspicions of corruption appear,” citing Coordination Framework backing for the crackdown after arrests in Baghdad’s Green Zone. Kurdistan Drone Attacks: Erbil air defenses shot down four drones targeting the U.S. consulate; Erbil airport briefly suspended flights before resuming, with no casualties reported. Regional Security Pressure: Two suicide drones hit the headquarters of Iran’s Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) in Erbil, with damage reported but no injuries. US-Iran War Spillover in Iraq: A U.S. service member, Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton of North Carolina, was identified as killed in Iraq while disarming a downed Iranian drone; the wider conflict is driving more strikes and injuries across the region. Diplomacy vs Escalation: Trump said the U.S. has “no interest” in Iran talks unless Tehran meets meaningfully, as mediators try to revive a short ceasefire proposal. UN Warning: UN chief Guterres urged attacks on civilian infrastructure to stop and warned there is “no military solution,” as escalation spreads to Iraq and beyond.