AGP Executive Report

Plastic Pollution in Iraq: Iraq is facing a growing plastic crisis, with the Iraq Green Observatory warning that plastic waste is rising fast while recycling stays low. The report estimates about 400 grams of plastic waste per person per day, and in Baghdad alone roughly 10,000 tons of waste daily, with plastic making up 15–20%. Most plastic ends up in unregulated dumpsites and informal landfills, including along the Tigris and Euphrates. Agriculture Threat: Iraq’s Ministry of the Interior has warned farmers and residents about datura plants (“devil’s trumpet”), saying the highly toxic plant can seriously harm crops and livestock, even though it has medicinal uses in very precise doses. Kurdistan Tourism Surge: Kurdistan Region authorities are gearing up for Eid al-Adha travel, with Zakho expecting heavy daily arrivals (including dozens of buses) and Duhok projecting about 7,000–8,000 tourists per day as hotels near full occupancy.

Plastic Pollution in Iraq: Iraq’s plastic problem is getting worse as single-use bottles and containers surge, while recycling stays low. The Iraq Green Observatory says each Iraqi generates about 400 grams of plastic waste daily; in Baghdad alone, plastic makes up roughly 15–20% of solid waste, with most ending up in unregulated dumpsites along the Tigris and Euphrates. Agriculture Threat: Iraq’s Ministry of the Interior warned farmers and residents about “devil’s trumpet” (datura/jimsonweed), a highly toxic plant that can harm crops and livestock due to poisonous compounds. Flood Risk on the Euphrates: Syria and Iraq issued evacuation and safety alerts after heavy rain and Turkey’s upstream water releases raised Euphrates levels, threatening homes and farmland and damaging bridges. Kurdistan Tourism Pressure: Kurdistan Region authorities are preparing for a big Eid al-Adha visitor surge, with hotels near full occupancy and thousands arriving daily in Duhok and Zakho—raising demand on local services and waste management.

Flood Risk: Heavy rainfall and Turkey’s upstream water releases have triggered evacuation orders along the Euphrates in Syria and Iraq, with dam spillway gates opened and bridges damaged as water levels rose. Aviation Disruptions: Airlines are suspending or scaling back Middle East flights amid rising Iran–US tensions, with Baghdad and Erbil among destinations facing bans that could last into autumn. Water Infrastructure in Kurdistan: The KRG is set to launch a major water project in Soran, aiming to improve local water services. Energy Transition Watch: A new study says national oil and gas companies could steer a fairer energy transition, but most still lack credible transition plans. Plastic Pollution Policy: Iraq is moving to restrict plastic pollution, including a reported push to curb waste and manage imports. Agriculture Resilience: Iraq is reviving rice cultivation for the 2026 summer plan and also expanding modern irrigation efforts to support farming under tougher conditions. Cultural & Community Climate: World Cup excitement is clashing with ticket costs and access concerns for immigrant communities in Iraq’s diaspora hubs.

Water Security in Kurdistan: The KRG says it will launch a major water project in Soran, aiming to nearly double drinkable supplies by processing 3,000+ cubic meters per hour and boosting clean water output to about 97,000 cubic meters per day, as Iraq’s shortages worsen. Local Governance & Environment: The plan is part of a wider push to protect underground water sources and expand clean-water access across Kurdistan, including other large projects in Erbil. Political Tensions in Iraq: In Najaf, Muqtada al-Sadr demanded an official British apology over remarks attributed to UK Ambassador Irfan Siddiq about Iraq’s post-2003 power transfer, while also accusing the UK of hosting figures opposed to Iraq’s political and religious establishment. Nuclear Safety & Environment: The UN Security Council condemned a drone strike on the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant, warning attacks on civilian nuclear infrastructure pose grave risks to people and the environment.

Middle East Flashpoint: The UN Security Council condemned a drone strike on the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant, calling it a “flagrant violation” and demanding attacks on civilian and nuclear facilities stop—after the UAE said drones were launched from Iraq. US-Iran-Lebanon Tensions: As the US-Iran conflict enters its 89th day, Iran accuses Washington of breaking a ceasefire while Israel hits southern Lebanon in some of the heaviest bombardments in weeks; China urged parties to uphold the ceasefire. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Reports say the US blockade has forced 108 commercial vessels to reroute, while Iran pushes a “toll” idea that traders fear could further disrupt global energy flows. Iraq Watch: Iraq’s wheat push continues, with officials forecasting up to 5 million tons and aiming for self-sufficiency despite strained state finances. Energy at Home: Gas prices dipped nationally, but Memorial Day weekend hit record highs in Oregon.

US-Iran Tensions: The US Navy has redirected 100 commercial ships during its expanding blockade campaign in the Indian Ocean, while CENTCOM says Monday’s “self-defence” strikes in southern Iran hit missile sites and boats trying to lay mines near the Strait of Hormuz—raising the stakes even as diplomacy grinds on. Nuclear Deal Friction: Negotiators are still stuck on whether a proposed memorandum should mention Iran’s nuclear program, with Iran also pressing for release of $24B in frozen funds tied to deal milestones. Trump’s New Middle East Twist: Trump says he’s asked Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan to join the Abraham Accords—an idea analysts say is politically unrealistic given regional anger over the Iran war and Israel’s role. Iraq Food Security: Iraq expects up to 5 million tons of wheat for 2025–26, aiming to stay import-free for a fourth straight year, even as the government cuts the procurement price to ease strained finances.

US-Iran Talks & Hormuz: Trump says a US-Iran deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz is “largely negotiated,” but Iran warns no final agreement is imminent and says enriched uranium issues and “protection fees” claims remain disputed. Iraq Human Rights: Iraq’s prison system is under fresh scrutiny after a rights group reported 400 deaths in 2025, citing overcrowding, medical neglect, and torture claims. Iraq Food Security: Iraq’s wheat fields are no longer a reliable guarantee of bread, as the country continues to depend on imports. Regional Air Travel: Iraqi Kurdistan says Al-Sulaymaniyah–Tehran flights will resume May 29, with Eid al-Adha tourism plans back on track. Local Governance & Environment: Iraq’s school dropout crisis is being tackled with the “Fursa” back-to-school push, while separate coverage flags ongoing plastic pollution pressure and restrictions.

Prison Crisis: Iraq’s human-rights watchdog says 400 prisoners died in 2025, blaming overcrowding, medical neglect, and torture—while families often get no clear cause of death. Regional Talks Watch: Iran says it and the US have “resolved a large part” of issues in indirect talks via Pakistan, but warns no final deal is imminent; Trump meanwhile says talks are orderly and urges negotiators not to rush. Kurdistan Travel: Al-Sulaymaniyah–Tehran flights are set to resume May 29, with Eid al-Adha tourism plans already underway. Gulf Energy Pressure: The Hormuz standoff keeps oil-market nerves high as shipping and logistics face disruptions and rerouting. Humanitarian Strain: UNHCR warns maritime disruptions around Hormuz are delaying relief shipments, raising costs for medicines and vaccines. Iraq at Home: Iraq’s 2026 summer farming plan is back, including renewed rice cultivation in key provinces, while a separate report highlights a growing school dropout problem driven by poverty and displacement.

Iran–US Deal Talks: Trump says the US won’t “rush into a deal,” but negotiations are “proceeding” and a memorandum-style framework is being discussed, with a possible 30-day extension for talks and steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz—while Iran insists nuclear issues and asset unfreezing can’t be pre-loaded. Hormuz Tensions: Iran reports shooting down an Israeli reconnaissance drone over Hormozgan, as both sides keep signaling that the ceasefire could still break. Regional Pressure: A World Bank emergency push is underway, with 27 countries activating crisis financing as the Iran war disrupts energy and food supply chains—Kenya and Iraq are among those seeking fast support. Iraq Focus: Iraq’s National Investment Commission says total investments have topped $114B, with a climate-linked plan aimed at renewable energy, water, agriculture, and industry. Local Life: Iraqis also face environmental strain—dust storms have sent hundreds to hospitals—while Iraq continues plastic restrictions and summer agriculture planning.

Iran–Israel Tensions: Iran says it shot down an Israeli “Orbiter” spy drone over Hormozgan, recovering wreckage after it entered Iranian airspace. US–Iran Diplomacy: Trump says the U.S. won’t “rush into a deal” and that the blockade of Hormuz-linked shipping stays in force until any agreement is certified and signed, while both sides signal “progress” but still debate final terms. Regional Economics: With the Strait of Hormuz under pressure, 27 countries are moving to tap World Bank emergency crisis funds to cushion energy and supply-chain shocks—reports also flag Iraq among those seeking support. Iraq Security & Climate: Iraq’s forces announce strikes against ISIS elements in Kirkuk, while Iraq’s 2026 summer plan pushes modern irrigation and tighter water management as drought worsens. Local Watch: Iraq’s investment drive is also in focus, with one report putting total investments above $114B.

US-Iran Talks: Iran says the U.S. peace-track is making “encouraging progress,” with a draft agreement text still under review and mediators pushing to turn a fragile ceasefire into something longer—though Tehran says key issues like nuclear and sanctions relief still need talks in the next few days. Hormuz Pressure: Reports also point to a possible 60-day extension and a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, even as the U.S. keeps planning for fresh strikes. Iraq Security: In Kirkuk, Iraqi forces say they eliminated ISIS elements in a targeted operation, destroying a hideout and killing four leaders. Water & Food: Iraq’s ministries unveiled a 2026 summer agriculture push with modern irrigation and tighter water management as inflows keep shrinking. Pilgrimage Logistics: Najaf and Karbala are rolling out large-scale security and traffic plans for major religious days. Plastic Crackdown: Iraq says it imports about $3B in plastic yearly and is moving to restrict plastic bags while taxing local production.

US-Iran Ceasefire Talks: Mediators say they’re edging toward extending the US ceasefire with Iran by 60 days, with a framework that could gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz and shift discussions toward Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile. Diplomacy vs. Threats: Iran’s foreign ministry says Tehran is “waiting to see” over the next few days, while CBS reports US planning for possible new strikes within days—showing how close talks and escalation still sit. Regional Mediation Push: Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir is meeting Iranian leaders as Qatar and Gulf states try to keep the fragile track alive. Iraq Plastic Crackdown: Iraq says it imports about $3B in plastic yearly and is moving ahead with restrictions on plastic bags in shops and bakeries, aiming to cut single-use waste. Climate & Heritage: Iraq is restoring the Ziggurat of Ur, but climate erosion risks are now part of the story.

Iraq’s Plastic Crackdown: Iraq’s new government is moving fast on pollution—ending free single-use plastic bag distribution within six months, banning their use in bakeries, and stopping plastic bag imports, with fees on bag factories to fund recycling and awareness. KRG-Federal Talks: Kurdistan’s PM Masrour Barzani is set to visit Baghdad next week for government-to-government discussions, including electricity reform support via the KRG’s 24-hour Runaki program. Regional Cyber Risk: A new mapping of Middle East cyber activity finds more than 1,350 attacker-controlled command-and-control servers across 98 providers in 14 countries, with telecom and hosting networks increasingly becoming the backbone of attacks. Iran War Diplomacy vs. Pressure: U.S. and partners are still weighing possible new strikes while indirect talks continue; Rubio also rejects Iran’s Strait of Hormuz “tolling” plan and says a “Plan B” is needed. Lebanon Food Security Hit: Israeli attacks are again damaging southern Lebanon’s farms—bananas, citrus, olives and small-scale plots—displacing most farmers and threatening food stability.

Iraq’s Plastic Crackdown: Iraq is producing about 16,000 tons of plastic waste every day, and the government is now moving to cut the biggest source: single-use plastic bags. The Council of Ministers approved a plan to end free bag distribution within six months, ban their use in bakeries, stop plastic bag imports, and add fees on factories making nylon bags—funding recycling and awareness while pushing a shift toward paper and biodegradable alternatives. Kurdistan–Baghdad Talks: PM Masrour Barzani is set to visit Baghdad next week for government-to-government discussions with the new federal cabinet, including support for Kurdistan’s 24-hour Runaki electricity program. Regional Pressure Signals: Turkey’s Erdogan ordered the closure of Istanbul Bilgi University amid a criminal probe into its owners, underscoring how political and legal pressure is tightening across the region.

Iran War Fallout: A new U.S. congressional report says America lost or damaged as many as 42 aircraft in “Operation Epic Fury” over 40 days, including F-15E, F-35A, A-10, tankers, special-ops aircraft, and 24 MQ-9 Reapers, while Israel’s losses were largely limited to slow-moving drones—a stark imbalance that keeps the debate over air-power costs and readiness burning. Hormuz Pressure: Iran is also moving from disruption to control, with a new Strait of Hormuz transit permit/toll regime under its Persian Gulf Strait Authority. Iraq Security Tensions: The UAE is urging Iraq to stop “hostile acts” after it says drones targeting UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant were launched from Iraqi territory, as Baghdad investigates and neighbors demand reassurance. Local Governance & Jobs: In Iraq’s sports spotlight, Omani coach Rasheed Jaber helped Al Quwa Al Jawiya win the Iraq Stars League title. Veterans Benefits: The U.S. House passed a bipartisan veterans expansion bill boosting support for catastrophically injured veterans and surviving spouses.

Barakah Nuclear Alarm: The UAE urged Iraq to stop “hostile acts” after drones hit the Barakah nuclear plant, with the IAEA warning a direct hit could release dangerous radioactivity even as radiation stayed stable; Iraq Accountability: Iraq says it’s investigating and a special security committee met under PM Ali Al Zaidi, but neighbors want proof Baghdad can prevent its territory being used; Iran-US Deal Pressure: Trump says Iran talks are “right on the borderline” and threatens “nasty” action if demands aren’t met, while Iran says it’s reviewing a new US proposal and warns any renewed strikes could expand beyond the region; Hormuz Fallout: With Strait of Hormuz disruption driving major economic losses, the crisis is pushing Gulf states to diversify routes and energy security; Regional Security Drift: ISIS escalated rhetoric in Syria, while reports also claim major US aircraft losses and ongoing drone/tanker confrontations in the Gulf.