AGP Executive Report

Iraq’s Security Reset: Iraq’s new government is pledging a full state monopoly on weapons, aiming to end armed groups outside the legal framework as regional attacks tied to the Iran war continue. Hormuz Pressure Game: Iran is reframing its Strait of Hormuz “tolls” as an insurance scheme, while the wider standoff keeps oil and shipping jittery. Gulf Escalation Watch: Kuwait condemned a drone attack from Iraqi airspace that hit Saudi Arabia, with multiple Gulf states backing Riyadh and warning of further action. Diplomacy vs. Threats: Trump says he called off an imminent Iran strike after requests from Gulf allies, even as Iran warns the “clock is ticking.” Local Iraq Fallout: Baghdad’s Tigris is facing 23 pollution hotspots, with untreated sewage, industrial waste, and medical runoff threatening public health. Aid and Development: UNHCR marks 10 years with Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, supporting displaced people across northern Iraq and beyond.

Gulf Escalation Signals: A drone strike sparked a fire near the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant generator, while Saudi says it intercepted three drones entering from Iraq—raising fears the fragile Iran-US ceasefire could fray fast. Hormuz Pressure on Iraq: With Hormuz shipments disrupted, Iraq’s crude exports reportedly fell to about 10 million barrels in April, pushing Baghdad to lean harder on overland routes like the Kirkuk–Ceyhan pipeline. Iraq’s Domestic Stress Points: Baghdad’s Tigris is facing 23 pollution hotspots, with untreated sewage, industrial waste, and medical runoff flagged as a public health threat. Local Development Push: Iraq and UNDP signed a partnership to back investment and infrastructure, including water resilience and agricultural value chains. Regional Security Claims: Reports also say Israel built two covert bases in Iraq’s desert to support Iran-strike operations. Agriculture Update: Diyala wheat harvesting has started, with marketed production expected to top 210,000 tons.

Iraq’s New Government: Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet program is now on the record, with parliament backing a 14-pillar plan that promises to pull weapons under exclusive state control—while the big unresolved question is how that will work with powerful armed factions like the PMF. Regional Water Security: Iraq’s new water minister says Baghdad will push for upstream releases by building direct ties with Turkey and Iran, aiming to secure quotas after long-running disputes over dam flows. Hormuz Shock Hits Iraq’s Exports: With the Strait of Hormuz disrupted by the wider Iran conflict, Iraq’s oil exports reportedly fell to about 10 million barrels in April, pushing Baghdad to rely more on overland routes like the Kirkuk–Ceyhan pipeline. Security and Human Cost: The week also keeps spotlighting instability across the region, from terror-linked arrests to reports of attacks and abductions, underscoring how quickly crises spill across borders.

US-Iran Tensions, Gulf Energy Shift: Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian says Washington and Israel are using “divisive projects” to turn Muslim countries against each other, while the war’s pressure is pushing Gulf shipping away from the Strait of Hormuz and toward pipelines and rail—yet fuel and bunker-supply worries are already spreading. Iraq’s Water Security: Iraq’s new water minister says Baghdad will build direct ties with upstream Turkey and Iran to secure releases. Iraq’s New Government: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has pledged a “comprehensive” reform plan and a crackdown on corruption, as oil exports via Hormuz reportedly fell sharply in April. Security & Courts: A US appeals court vacated a 101-month ISIS-linked sentence and ordered resentencing. Humanitarian Reality: In Gaza, rubble is being recycled into Lego-like bricks as rebuilding materials run out. Regional Violence: Nigeria reports terrorists abducting 42 schoolchildren in Borno.

Iraq’s New PM Pushes Reform: Ali al-Zaidi officially took office and immediately promised a “comprehensive” reform drive—aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil, boosting industry, agriculture, tourism and investment, and cracking down on corruption—after parliament approved 14 of 23 minister posts. Security Signals From Baghdad: Explosions in the capital were later linked to artillery salutes marking his assumption of office, while Iraq’s leadership also sought to reassure partners as the region stays tense. Oil Pressure From the Strait of Hormuz: Iraq’s oil exports through Hormuz reportedly plunged to about 10 million barrels in April amid the wider war, underscoring how fast revenues can swing. Diplomacy and Climate/Water Ties: King Charles praised Iraq’s security gains and backed deeper UK cooperation, including on climate change and water security. Regional Risk Watch: A US warning also surfaced that the Pentagon’s rush to counter drones could raise safety risks—another reminder that the conflict’s ripple effects reach far beyond battlefields.

Iraqi Power Shift: Ali al-Zaidi officially took office as Iraq’s new prime minister, with lawmakers approving 14 of 23 ministers and the government promising sweeping economic reform and a serious anti-corruption push. Security Reality Check: Baghdad marked the swearing-in with artillery salutes, while the wider region stays tense as Iran-U.S. pressure and militia activity continue to shape daily risk. Oil Shock: Iraq’s oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz plunged to about 10 million barrels in April, down from roughly 93 million the month before, underscoring how war around Hormuz can hit Iraq’s budget fast. Local Environment Stress: In Kirkuk, residents reported an oil slick spreading into an irrigation canal, threatening crops and livestock and calling for urgent testing and cleanup. Regional Diplomacy: Iran’s president told al-Zaidi Tehran is ready to show its nuclear program is peaceful and offered de-escalation talks, while insisting nuclear issues stay out of war-ending discussions.

Oil Spill Fallout in Kirkuk: Oil slicks have spread into Kirkuk’s main irrigation canal in Al-Sada Al-Mashayekh village, with residents reporting petroleum smells, crop damage fears, and livestock refusing to drink—pushing calls for urgent cleanup and soil/water testing. Iraq’s New Government Takes Shape: Parliament has approved PM Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet confidence vote, naming 14 of 23 ministers so far, while key posts like defense and interior remain pending. Militias vs. the State: The U.S. says it arrested an Iraqi commander tied to Iran-backed Kata’ib Hezbollah, charging him over plots targeting Jewish sites in Europe and the U.S.—a backdrop to al-Zaidi’s promise to rein in militias. Regional Security Shake-Up: The U.S. Army plans to merge the 7th Infantry Division and 1st Multi-Domain Task Force into Multi-Domain Command-Pacific, signaling a tighter Indo-Pacific posture. Energy Pressure Point: With Strait of Hormuz tensions still driving global risk, the week’s coverage keeps circling fuel-price and supply worries.

Iraq’s Cabinet Breakthrough: Iraq’s parliament has granted confidence to Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, approving his ministerial programme and 14 ministers—clearing months of political deadlock, though two key posts were rejected and he still must fill nine ministries. Nuclear Diplomacy Signals: In a call with al-Zaidi, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran is ready to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme and offered de-escalation talks, while Baghdad signaled it could host US-Iran discussions. Hormuz Pressure, Real-World Costs: The Strait of Hormuz remains a live pressure point—shipping disruptions and Iran’s tighter maritime control are feeding energy anxiety, with Germany warning any prolonged instability could hit growth. Regional Trade Moves: Jordan says freight through Karameh surged after extended border hours, with truck traffic up sharply as Iraqi transit routes shift toward Aqaba. Energy Investment Push: Jordan also signed a 45-year deal for a $1.1bn green ammonia project near Aqaba, aiming to start production in 2030 and sell mostly to Europe. Defense & Safety Watch: A US memo warns the rush to counter drone threats may be sidelining basic explosive safety safeguards.

Iraq’s Cabinet Shuffle: Ali al-Zaidi was officially approved as Iraq’s prime minister, with 14 of 23 ministers confirmed—while key posts like defense and interior still left lawmakers clashing. Hormuz Pressure, Global Ripples: Iran’s nuclear diplomacy talk is back in focus as Tehran signals it can meet “global standards,” even as the Strait of Hormuz remains a live chokepoint for shipping and prices. Trade Flow Update: Jordan says truck traffic at Karameh surged after extended operating hours—up about 262%—as Iraqi transit routes rerouted through Aqaba. Energy Market Signals: OPEC+ plans phased quota hikes to restore 1.65m bpd cuts by September, but real output gains stay constrained by the Iran-linked disruption. Culture & Heritage: Iraq continues preservation work on the Ziggurat of Ur, using new conservation bricks to protect the UNESCO site.

Nuclear De-escalation Talk: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told Iraq’s PM-designate Ali al-Zaidi that Tehran is ready to prove its nuclear program is peaceful and says it wants international standards and verification, while also criticizing U.S. “pressure while calling for negotiations.” Iraq Diplomacy: Al-Zaidi says Baghdad is prepared to back de-escalation and could host Iran–U.S. talks, even as Iran’s foreign ministry pushes to keep nuclear issues out of war-ending discussions. Energy Pressure on the Region: OPEC+ is planning gradual quota hikes to restore 1.65m bpd cuts by September, but real output remains constrained by the Iran-related disruption of key routes like the Strait of Hormuz. Local Climate Heritage: Iraq is also funding preservation work for the Ziggurat of Ur, using new conservation bricks to protect the UNESCO site from erosion.

Strait of Hormuz Clampdown: Iran deployed a swarm of 342 fast-attack boats across monitored zones, with reports of a near “total halt” for commercial traffic as IRGC small craft formed escort-style disruptions. Nuclear Diplomacy: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told Iraq’s PM-designate Ali al-Zaidi Tehran is ready to meet global standards for a peaceful nuclear program, while Baghdad offered to host Iran–US talks and de-escalation. Iraq–US Ties: Iraq’s Coordination Framework signaled openness to US investment and security—so long as Iraq isn’t used as a launchpad for attacks. Oil Pressure: The IEA warned global oil inventories are being drained at record speed as Hormuz-linked supply losses mount, keeping prices and fuel costs elevated. Regional Fallout: In Kurdistan, Hoshyar Zebari said the region was hit hardest because Tehran views it as “a small, little Israel.” Lebanon Environment: A Lebanese report alleges “ecocide” in southern Lebanon, framing ecosystem damage as systematic rather than incidental.

Nuclear diplomacy, Iraq in the middle: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told Iraq’s PM-designate Ali al-Zaidi that Tehran is ready to prove its nuclear program is peaceful and meet global standards, while blaming “contradictory” U.S. pressure; Baghdad says it’s open to supporting de-escalation and could host Iran-U.S. talks, as Iran also insists nuclear issues stay off the war-ending agenda. Energy shock hitting the region: The Iran war is draining global oil inventories at a record pace, with the IEA warning of supply losses and weaker demand—while shipping firms warn bunker-fuel shortages could ripple into higher costs. Iraq’s green push: Iraq nominated rural villages for UN Tourism’s “Best Tourism Villages” push, including sites in Sulaymaniyah and the marshlands, aiming for eco-tourism and local jobs. Culture and heritage: Fresh restoration work has begun on the Ziggurat of Ur, using traditional methods to slow erosion and salinity damage.

Nuclear Diplomacy: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told Iraq’s PM-designate Ali al-Zaidi that Tehran is ready to prove its nuclear program is peaceful and meet global standards, while Baghdad says it can help host Iran–U.S. talks and push de-escalation. Strait of Hormuz Shock: The wider Iran–U.S. standoff keeps squeezing energy flows, and even small forecast moves ripple into prices—Brent’s 2026 outlook was nudged down by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, but gas pumps stay high. Fuel Pain at Home: GasBuddy reports California averaging about $6.10 a gallon and Oregon around $5.32, with national prices near $4.50 as holiday travel ramps up. Gulf Tensions Escalate: A new report claims Saudi Arabia carried out covert airstrikes on Iran in late March, raising the risk that the conflict is moving from proxies to direct action. Iraq Under Pressure: U.S. sanctions target Iraqi oil-smuggling networks tied to Iran-backed militias, spotlighting how corruption helps sanctions evasion. Health & Safety: A new VA study links multiple toxic exposures to higher odds of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among veterans.

Nuclear Diplomacy Push: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told Iraq’s PM-designate Ali al-Zaidi that Tehran is ready to prove its nuclear program is peaceful and meet global standards, while Baghdad says it can back de-escalation and even host Iran-U.S. talks—at a moment when the U.S. and Iran keep trading proposals and accusations. Hormuz Energy Shock: The Strait of Hormuz fight is still reshaping costs, with reports linking the conflict to tighter bunker fuel supplies and higher shipping prices, while U.S. gas prices rise even though most oil moves elsewhere. Kurdistan Fire Risk: In Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, heavy winter rainfall is boosting vegetation growth and raising summer wildfire fears, prompting calls for an environmental court, tougher penalties, and better forest monitoring. Education Milestone: UNESCO says women now outnumber men in higher education globally (114 women per 100 men in 2024), though leadership and doctoral gaps remain. Local Culture & Tourism: Iraq is set to nominate seven villages for a UN tourism award, with Hawraman’s Biyara among the leading entries.

Iran–US Nuclear Talks: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told Iraq’s PM-designate Ali al-Zaidi that Tehran is ready to prove its nuclear program is peaceful and says Washington’s pressure-and-talks approach is “contradictory.” Baghdad says it can back de-escalation and even host talks. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: The ceasefire remains fragile as Iran confirms Ghadir-class midget submarines in the Strait and the U.S. keeps upping maritime posture. HEU Retrieval Risk: With negotiations sputtering, talk of a possible operation to retrieve Iran’s highly enriched uranium is rising. Iraq’s Stakes: Analysts warn Iraq has more to lose than most—oil revenue shocks, weak buffers, and IMF forecasts of a deep contraction. Energy Security Shock in Europe: Sabotage threats have put European power networks on alert, with utilities ramping up surveillance and protection. Local Climate Alarm: The Euphrates’ shrinking is fueling end-times fears alongside real drought-driven water stress. Business Note: Zain Group reports Q1 2026 revenue of $1.86bn and net profit of $260m.

Nuclear diplomacy, Iraq in the middle: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told Iraq’s PM-designate Ali al-Zaidi that Tehran is ready to prove its nuclear program is peaceful and meet global standards, while Baghdad says it can back de-escalation and even host US-Iran talks. Strait of Hormuz pressure: The wider Iran conflict continues to rattle global shipping and energy markets, with fresh warnings about oil spills near Iran’s Kharg Island and fears of a bigger environmental disaster. Iraq’s governance spotlight: A new report says Iraq’s universities are selling degrees and buying research, with accountability still missing. Local climate alarm: Scientists warn the Euphrates could shrink fast in coming decades, feeding end-times chatter as drought worsens. Security and health: A landmark case in New Zealand links a veteran’s brain cancer to burn-pit exposure, echoing how war harms health long after the fighting. UFO files: The Pentagon’s latest UFO release adds more old sightings to the public debate, but experts urge caution.