AGP Executive Report

Climate Extremes in Iraq: Iraq’s temperatures are climbing fast. A new Iraqi meteorology analysis says daytime highs in central and southern areas now reach about 44–47°C, with hotter conditions spreading compared to earlier decades—driven by global warming, greenhouse gases, urban growth, and shrinking vegetation. Water & Heat Pressure: The same week highlights that rainfall isn’t easing Iraq’s water crisis, leaving communities more exposed to extreme heat. Environmental Accountability: Iraq is strengthening environmental accountability through legal reforms, aiming to better manage risks as climate impacts intensify. Oil & Emissions Reality Check: Iraq’s OPEC quota debate continues, with reports of possible withdrawal denied—while global coverage also flags rising gas flaring and the need for stronger climate action. Local Climate Adaptation Needs: With Iraq among the world’s most vulnerable to climate extremes, the coverage points to urgent planning for agriculture, water, and cities. Women in Green Skills: An Iraqi woman is breaking into automotive maintenance—an example of expanding practical skills and livelihoods beyond traditional roles.

Water Crisis Watch: Iraq’s water crisis is still a strategic threat even after some rainfall, with southern provinces seeing drought-driven displacement and farm decline, the parliamentary Agriculture and Water Committee warned, urging stronger water diplomacy and modern irrigation plus reuse of treated water. Clean Fuel Push: Iraq is expanding LPG use for cleaner transport, with nearly 95,000 converted vehicles now operating under the Ministry of Oil program, supported by 27 workshops and aimed at cutting emissions and reducing gasoline dependence. Environmental Justice in Courts: Iraq is strengthening environmental accountability after the Supreme Judicial Council activated Article 32 of the Environmental Protection and Improvement law, reinforcing “polluter pays” and giving communities clearer legal routes for compensation, with UNDP-backed consultations in Erbil and Baghdad. Heat Risk for Sports: The UN warned extreme heat could affect the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., with many matches at climate risk due to rising heat waves and wet-bulb conditions. Local Culture, Local Recovery: In Baghdad, abandoned old cinemas are becoming symbols of a slow film revival, as directors push to rebuild Iraq’s cultural scene despite years of war and sanctions.

Iraq–Jordan Energy & Trade Talks: A Jordanian ministerial delegation met Iraqi PM Ali Zaidi in Baghdad to push wider cooperation, with focus on the Basra–Aqaba oil pipeline, energy and electricity links, and trade facilitation—aimed at boosting investment and private-sector partnerships. Press Freedom in Al-Anbar: Iraq’s Journalists Syndicate Al-Anbar head rejected a report claiming the province ranks near the top for press freedom violations, saying reporters work freely and that arrests are rare; the dispute follows broader concerns about violence and pressure on media. Khamenei Funeral Route Through Iraq: Iran warned the U.S. and Israel to “avoid any miscalculation” ahead of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s multi-city funeral, with his body moving to Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala after ceremonies begin July 4. Digital Readiness for World Cup: A study flagged slow federation websites, including Iraq, pointing to uneven digital readiness ahead of major match surges—an issue for online services and sponsor pages. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Reports say the U.S. is urging Iran not to charge tolls for Strait of Hormuz passage, as indirect talks continue and maritime traffic and funds remain key sticking points.

Water Pollution Crackdown: Iraq’s top Shia authority, Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, ruled that dumping untreated sewage, solid waste, medical waste, or chemical pollutants into the Tigris and Euphrates is “religiously forbidden,” urging authorities to stop harmful disposal and provide safer alternatives—after social media showed waste being discharged into Baghdad’s rivers. Renewable Power for Rural Erbil: In Erbil, the Rwanga Foundation launched a solar project to power 100 units in Ziyarat village, including homes and public facilities like a mosque, health center, and mourning hall, aiming to cut reliance on unstable conventional supply. Smart Farming Push: The UN FAO opened its first Global Conference on Smart Farming, calling for wider adoption of tools that help farmers cope with climate variability, soil and water degradation, and rising costs. Regional Energy Security Pressure: Reports say the U.S. is considering reducing its military footprint in Saudi Arabia as the Iran war reshapes Gulf security ties, with implications for shipping and the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq Anti-Corruption Update: Iraq recovered 19 billion dinars (about $14.5m) in an Iraqi Airways corruption case, as the government’s crackdown continues.

PFAS & Drinking Water: Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin keeps pushing for stronger protections against PFAS “forever chemicals,” after the U.S. moved to roll back limits—an issue that hits public health and clean water directly. Anti-Corruption & Public Trust: Iraq’s anti-corruption drive scored another major win as authorities recovered about $14.5 million tied to an Iraqi Airways fraud case, while Baghdad’s wider crackdown continues to target senior officials. Oil & Energy Security: Basra Oil Company signed a confidentiality deal with Chevron over West Qurna 2, as Iraq seeks investment and technical support after Lukoil’s withdrawal—another sign Iraq is tightening its energy partnerships. Regional Climate Risk & Food Systems: FAO opened its first Global Conference on Smart Farming, urging faster adoption of tech that helps farmers cope with climate variability, soil and water degradation, and rising costs. Pollution & Enforcement: Iraqi courts ordered legal action against polluters, and separate reporting highlights industrial pollution pressure in Tuz Khurmatu—showing enforcement is moving beyond promises. Water & Shared Resources: Syria and Iraq signed an MoU on shared water resources management, a key step for stability in a drought-stressed region.

Industrial Pollution & Courts: Iraq’s Tuz Khurmatu authorities pledged legal action against polluters, citing emissions from heavy fuel burning, gas flaring, and asphalt plants that worsen respiratory and skin illnesses and cancer risk. Oil & Labor Oversight: In Karbala, an MP alleged the refinery employed hundreds of foreign workers without valid permits and awarded contracts under suspected legal and financial violations, pushing the case to integrity and labor authorities. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Baghdad’s anti-corruption raids included the arrest of a deputy oil minister after investigators found $14 million hidden in walls, spotlighting governance failures tied to fuel distribution. Regional Security & Spillover Costs: Turkey’s intelligence chief met Iraqi officials in Baghdad to boost security and intelligence sharing after transfers of ISIS members, underscoring how instability keeps reshaping risk across the region. Heat & Climate Pressure: A UN climate report warned extreme heat could threaten the 2026 World Cup final, while analysis noted multiple matches played in severe heat stress conditions.

Heat & climate risk: Record-breaking temperatures are already hitting hard, with reports noting extreme heat across the Middle East and even the World Cup being played in potentially dangerous conditions, pushing calls for climate-aware scheduling. Energy & pollution pressure: New reporting highlights global gas flaring rising again, and the World Bank flags it as a worsening trend—bad news for air quality and emissions. Iraq environment & water: Iraq’s anti-corruption push is also intersecting with environmental oversight, including attention on pollution and water safety gaps. Strait of Hormuz fallout: As Iran-US talks and regional diplomacy swirl around Hormuz reopening, analysts warn that renewed shipping disruptions can quickly translate into higher fuel and food costs—pressures that often hit vulnerable communities first. Iraq in the spotlight: Iraq’s anti-corruption raids and high-profile releases continue to dominate local headlines, shaping public trust in governance. Wildlife & biodiversity: A separate thread points to the growing cost of wildlife trade, including chimpanzees being exploited—another reminder that conservation needs enforcement, not just awareness.

Air Quality & Energy: The World Bank says global gas flaring is rising for a third straight year, with Iraq named among the biggest flarers—burning usable gas wastes money and adds climate pollution. Water & Environment: Iraq’s holy cities are preparing for Iran’s late leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral with Arbaeen-style logistics, a reminder of how large religious gatherings can strain local services and waste management. Pollution & Enforcement: Iraq’s anti-corruption raids in Baghdad’s Green Zone also spotlight governance pressure—while separate reporting flags legal action against polluters and growing concern over Tigris/Euphrates pollution. Regional Climate Risk: The World Cup is being used as a climate wake-up call, with extreme heat and storms disrupting matches—an angle that matters for Iraq as hotter summers intensify health and infrastructure stress. Culture & Sustainability: Doha Film Institute’s 2026 Spring Grants include Iraq-based projects, supporting regional storytelling that can help keep environmental and heritage issues visible.

Green Zone anti-corruption raids: Baghdad’s Green Zone saw dawn arrests and raids tied to Iraq’s anti-corruption push, with reports ranging from 47 detainees to potentially far more, following the earlier arrest of former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili and a wave of viral claims about seized cash and properties. Hormuz transit fees denied: Oman rejected claims it backs compulsory Strait of Hormuz transit fees, saying any cooperation would be voluntary and focused on maritime safety, environmental protection, and emergency response under international law. Iraq-Iran security talks: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi met Iraqi leaders in Baghdad, urging a regional security mechanism without foreign military interference and warning against breaches of the Iran-U.S. MoU. Tigris water and pollution pressure: Iraq’s parliament moved to address escalating Tigris and Euphrates pollution, as environmental oversight faces renewed scrutiny amid oil-related spills and illegal fishing concerns. Climate and sport spotlight: A report on the 2026 World Cup says the tournament is among the most carbon-intensive in football history, while extreme heat and storms are already disrupting matches—bringing climate risk into the public eye. Community gardens for resilience: A story on “Gardens of Hope” highlights how community gardens help displaced families improve food security and manage scarce land and water.

Water & Fisheries: Al-Anbar’s provincial council has ordered legal action against illegal fishing in the Euphrates near Ramadi, warning that electric shock devices, explosives, and toxic substances are killing fish and other aquatic life, disrupting breeding, and driving fish stocks down faster than they can recover. Regional Security & Environment: Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, visited Baghdad and again argued that the Strait of Hormuz must be governed by Iran, warning that any new arrangements without Tehran would raise tensions and delay reopening—an issue that matters for Iraq’s energy and shipping stability. Anti-Corruption in Baghdad: Iraq detained 47 officials, lawmakers, and businessmen in a major anti-corruption sweep, with raids reported in the Green Zone and elsewhere, as authorities move toward a wider campaign. Water Access Context: A global map review highlights that over 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water—useful background as Iraq faces ongoing water and pollution pressures. Business & Sustainability: UNIDO’s Bahrain office proposed a BD40 million international fund to support startups and MSMEs in war-affected countries, with possible future expansion to include Iraq.

Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Iraqi security forces detained 47 officials, including lawmakers and businessmen, in Baghdad and several provinces in a major anti-corruption sweep tied to the prime minister’s supervision, with a second phase reportedly targeting higher-level political figures. Water Access Gap: A new global map highlights how safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, with access far below 20% in several low-income countries despite improvements elsewhere. Illegal Fishing in Anbar: Al-Anbar’s provincial council ordered legal action against illegal fishing in the Euphrates near Ramadi, where banned methods like electric shock devices and explosives are blamed for killing fish and other aquatic life and worsening fish-stock decline. Iraq-Iran Diplomacy: Iran’s foreign minister visited Baghdad to discuss bilateral ties and regional security, proposing a Gulf security framework run by regional states without outside powers, amid renewed US-Iran tensions. Green Zone Raids: Baghdad’s Green Zone was sealed off after reports of gunfire near the US Embassy, as raids and arrests were reported in the fortified diplomatic area. Heat Pressure: Coverage warns of extreme heat across the Middle East and South Iraq, with temperatures approaching or exceeding 50C in parts of the region. Tourism & Heritage: Iraq’s state tourism body submitted nomination files for five villages to compete in UN Tourism’s “Best Tourism Villages 2026,” linking rural destinations with eco-friendly development.

Green Zone Crackdown: Iraqi security forces sealed Baghdad’s Green Zone after reports of heavy gunfire near the US Embassy, then carried out raids and arrests tied to corruption cases, with checkpoints inside the enclave. River Pollution Push: Iraq’s parliament is set to hold a special session after July 1 to tackle worsening pollution in the Tigris and Euphrates, citing new findings of sewage discharges, illegal quarrying, and other contamination hotspots. Eco-Tourism Spotlight: Iraq has completed nominations of five villages for UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages 2026, including Biyara, Rawanduz, Hiror, Merki, and Abu Subat, with an emphasis on sustainable and green tourism. Gas Flaring Warning: A World Bank report says global gas flaring rose again in 2025 to a six-year high, underlining methane’s climate damage and the need to curb routine flaring. Water Hyacinth Threat (Al-Anbar): Invasive water hyacinth continues disrupting waterways in Iraq’s Al-Anbar, adding pressure to already-stressed river ecosystems. Local Nature Investment: Iraq’s neighbors aren’t the only ones expanding green spaces—Idaho Botanical Garden broke ground on a major expansion, a reminder of how long-term habitat and education projects can grow.

Tigris & Euphrates Pollution: Iraq’s parliament is set to hold a special session after recess to tackle worsening contamination in the rivers, with officials citing unprecedented pollutant levels and dozens of identified violations and hotspots along the Euphrates. Invasive Species: Al-Anbar is battling fast-spreading water hyacinth that clogs waterways, cuts oxygen, harms fish and biodiversity, and disrupts water intake and treatment infrastructure. Cultural Heritage Under Climate Pressure: Iraq has listed the 1,500-year-old Al-Aqiser Church for urgent restoration, warning that neglect and climate change are accelerating its deterioration. E-commerce Risks: Iraq’s online shopping boom is creating jobs, but also more fraud and counterfeit sales, especially because cash-on-delivery lets unverified sellers operate with weak consumer protections. Regional Water Governance: Syria and Iraq signed a memorandum on shared water resources management, aiming to improve cooperation on a critical cross-border issue. Anfal Accountability: Kurdistan’s president renewed calls for federal compensation for Anfal genocide victims, including environmental and civilian targeting in Badinan.

Invasive Species: Water hyacinth is rapidly spreading across Al-Anbar’s Euphrates-linked waterways, choking flow, blocking sunlight, cutting oxygen, and disrupting fish and biodiversity while also clogging intake stations and raising maintenance costs. Cultural Heritage Under Pressure: Iraq has listed the 1,500-year-old Al-Aqiser Church near Ain al-Tamr as a priority for urgent restoration, citing climate change and years of neglect; the site needs excavation, restoration, and rehabilitation before it can be fully developed for tourism. Oil & Environment Tension: Iraq’s oil ministry says the PM did not raise any plan to withdraw from OPEC, but the broader quota fight is still tied to Iraq’s recovery needs—an issue that keeps environmental and water pressures in the spotlight. Regional Security & Rights: Ahead of the NATO summit, Turkey detained more than 200 people including environmental volunteers and journalists, raising alarms for civil society and environmental groups. Water Governance: Syria and Iraq signed an MoU on shared water resources management, a key step for reducing future stress on rivers and ecosystems.

OPEC & Iraq’s Oil Leverage: Iraq’s oil ministry denied reports of any plan to leave OPEC, saying Baghdad is only pushing for a quota review through OPEC’s technical, consensus-based process—after earlier comments suggested withdrawal could be considered if production ceilings block growth. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Iraq’s judiciary announced major anticorruption arrests tied to the Oil Ministry, seizing about $86m plus properties, vehicles, and gold—part of a wider push launched by the new prime minister. Ashura Security in Karbala: Iraq reported Ashura security plans in Karbala were successfully implemented, with large-scale medical support for tens of thousands of pilgrims and patients. Water & Environment: Syria and Iraq signed an MoU on shared water resources management, while Iraq also faced legal action orders against polluters. Oil Risks for the Region: Renewed concerns around the Strait of Hormuz followed a reported attack on a cargo ship near Oman, briefly rattling shipping and oil market sentiment. World Cup, Local Focus: Senegal’s Edouard Mendy is ruled out for the match vs Iraq, while Iraqi fans plan a march in Toronto ahead of the game.

Environmental enforcement: Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council ordered courts to pursue legal action against any polluters, including government bodies, and to apply Article 32 of the 2009 Environment Protection and Improvement Law—pushing violators to stop pollution, restore damage, and compensate affected people. Water governance: Iraq and Syria signed an MoU on managing shared water resources, especially the Euphrates, with coordination and technical data exchange as river flows rise after upstream rainfall. River pollution spotlight: A reported Tigris River oil spill in Baghdad has reignited questions about how spills happen and whether Iraq has the rapid-response tools to contain them. Regional shipping & oil risks: After a ship attack near Oman, Strait of Hormuz traffic and oil prices wobbled again, underlining how quickly environmental and economic risks can return when navigation safety is threatened. Local cleanup efforts: Najaf reported removing 80% of water hyacinth infestations, aiming to improve river and canal conditions.