AGP Executive Report

Water & Food Security in Iraq: The Green Iraq Observatory says the Euphrates is “not suitable” for human consumption, warning that record-low flows are concentrating pollution. It cites hospital waste, sewage, agricultural runoff, invasive water hyacinth, and oxygen loss that are harming fish and could push more people off marshland and rural livelihoods. Climate Risk for Farmers: In Najaf, rice growers are back in the fields after drought eased with heavier rains and higher river flows, but experts warn the recovery may not last through the next dry season—especially as Iraq faces long-term warming and declining rainfall. Methane & Fossil Fuel Pressure: UN chief António Guterres urged faster methane cuts, targeting coal, oil and gas practices and profits, saying aggressive methane reductions can bring “visible temperature relief” within a generation. Pollution & Ecosystems: The same drought-and-pollution squeeze is highlighted as a wider aquatic crisis, with observatory concerns that worsening conditions could deepen ecological damage across Iraq’s water systems. Global Gas Flaring: A World Bank tracker reports gas flaring hit a six-year high in 2025, with Russia, Iran, and Iraq among the biggest contributors—another pressure point for climate and local air quality.

Invasive Species Cleanup: Najaf authorities removed about 80% of water hyacinth infestations from rivers and canals, with remaining patches expected to be cleared in the coming weeks ahead of the rice season. Extreme Weather & Water Risks: Severe thunderstorms hit Philadelphia with tornado and flood warnings, downed trees and wires, and water rescues—highlighting how fast heavy rain can overwhelm drainage and public safety. Local Learning & Community Resilience: In Mardin, children are learning analogue photography through a hands-on darkroom workshop, including developing and printing their own photos—an inclusion project supporting families affected by displacement. Public Health Milestone: WHO validated Tunisia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, linking progress to sustained water, sanitation and hygiene efforts. Iraq Environment Angle: The hyacinth drive directly targets aquatic ecosystem damage and farmland risk, while the weather coverage underscores the broader need for stronger flood preparedness.

Climate & Disaster Risk: UNICEF warns floods, droughts and extreme heat are compounding hazards and putting over a billion children at risk, highlighting water, sanitation and hygiene gaps that are hard to protect as conditions worsen. Methane & Air Pollution: Iraq is named among founders of a new Fossil Fuel Regulatory Programme aimed at cutting methane faster, with Ghana also listed as a founder and new countries joining to close the gap between pledges and rising emissions. Water & Health in Iraq: UNICEF notes it installed wastewater treatment systems across Iraq between 2021 and 2025, improving safe water access for thousands, including many children. Energy & Investment in Al-Anbar: Iraq’s Al-Anbar is pushing gas investment as Schlumberger resumes work at the Akaz (Akkas) gas field after earlier security-driven suspension, though officials cite licensing and bureaucracy as key hurdles. Summer Power & Oil Output: Iraq’s oil ministry says it’s working to raise production toward 4.3 million barrels per day and boost exports via southern ports, alongside rehabilitation plans for southern fields. Security & Environment Link: With the Strait of Hormuz reopening under a US-Iran MoU, analysts warn shipping and oil market stability remain fragile—an energy chokepoint issue that can quickly spill into pollution and disaster risk across the region. Sports Weather (Local Impact): Severe storms and heavy rain are forecast to disrupt World Cup matches in New Jersey and Philadelphia, a reminder that extreme weather can hit public events fast.

Oil & Exports: Iraq’s Ministry of Oil says it’s pushing to restore southern output to about 4.3 million barrels per day and lift exports toward 3.5 million bpd, with field rehabilitation, faster pumping, and bottleneck fixes at southern ports. Energy Security: The push also includes work on the Kirkuk–Ceyhan pipeline, expanding export routes, and accelerating exploration and associated gas projects. Environment & Safety: The Green Iraq Observatory warns nearly 4,800 sq km of land remains contaminated by landmines and war remnants, hitting farming, food security, and local livelihoods. Water Infrastructure: In Kurdistan, the Goptapa Water Project in Chamchamal is about 40% complete and is expected to finish by year-end to ease long-running water shortages. Local Governance (Kurdistan): Garmian carried out a security and services reshuffle, including appointing a new head of the Forest and Environment Police. Trade Corridor: AD Ports launched an integrated logistics service linking Khalifa Port to Umm Qasr, aiming to strengthen Gulf-to-Türkiye/Europe shipping and regional connectivity.

Landmine Cleanup Crisis: The Green Iraq Observatory says nearly 4,800 sq km of Iraqi land is still contaminated by mines and unexploded ordnance, harming farmers and food production and putting children and shepherds at risk. Water Security: In Chamchamal, a major Goptapa water project is about 40% complete and could finish by year-end, aiming to end decades of shortages. Electricity & River Protection: Iraq’s cabinet approved free summer diesel for private generators and ordered tighter monitoring, while also stressing measures to protect the Tigris from pollution. Oil Push Despite Strain: Iraq plans to restore crude output toward 4.3 million bpd and revive exports, as the country faces fiscal pressure and ongoing regional disruptions. Northern Exploration Boost: Iraq has begun drilling its first northern exploration well since 1978, targeting new hydrocarbon reserves. Regional Trade & Logistics: AD Ports launched integrated shipping and logistics links between Khalifa Port and Umm Qasr, strengthening Gulf-to-Türkiye/Europe corridors. Food Security Risk: A new report warns the Arab region remains highly exposed to food shocks tied to the war-driven instability around energy and shipping routes.

Electricity & Water Protection: Iraq’s cabinet approved free diesel for private generators during July–August, giving 45 liters per 1 KVA (with conditions on daily power delivery) and tasking provinces with fair pricing and monitoring—while also stressing protection of the Tigris River from pollution. Energy Security & Oil Exploration: Iraq’s Ministry of Oil says it has started drilling its first northern exploration well since 1978, aiming to reactivate exploration and boost reserves. Regional Oil Risks: With the Strait of Hormuz reopening but remaining volatile, analysts warn that shipping and oil flows are still uncertain—an issue that directly affects Iraq’s energy corridor and costs. Kurdistan Exports: Kurdistan oil fields are set to resume production and exports after suspensions tied to attacks, with output still far below pre-crisis levels. Desertification Focus: Iraq plans to unveil a national desertification assessment, signaling a push toward long-term land and climate resilience. Refugees & Climate Pressure: On World Refugee Day, UNHCR highlights displacement driven by conflict, poverty, and climate change; Iraqis’ asylum applications in Europe topped 806K, with deaths and missing persons reported during irregular migration. Safety at Natural Sites: A Halabja girl died after drowning at a tourist area near a spring, prompting calls for tighter safety measures around waterways.

Refugee Pressure: On World Refugee Day, a Kurdistan-based refugee group said 806,593 Iraqis applied for asylum in Europe from 2015–2026, with deaths during irregular migration rising to 358 and 251 still missing; the group also launched a “Find a Job” platform to link displaced people with employers. Oil & Security: Kurdistan oil output is set to restart as companies resume production and exports from previously suspended fields after repeated attacks on infrastructure; capacity has been squeezed to about 75,000 barrels per day amid regional turmoil and Hormuz disruption. Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s move to close or tightly control Strait of Hormuz shipping is being framed as a test of navigation rights, with new requirements for permission and insurance raising alarm across shipping and insurance markets. Iraq Governance & Reform: Iraq’s 2027 budget is expected to prioritize high-impact projects, fiscal reforms, and revenue diversification away from oil, while protecting social spending. Kurdistan–Baghdad Coordination: President Masoud Barzani met Baghdad Governor Atwan Al-Atwani to discuss cooperation and sharing public service and development expertise. Pilgrimage Logistics: Iraq is preparing a comprehensive security and service plan for Muharram pilgrims heading to Karbala, aiming to coordinate routes and services for millions of mourners.

Desertification Watch (Iraq): Iraq’s agriculture ministry says it will soon publish results of a first national study on desertification rates in Nasiriyah (Dhi Qar), al-Suwaira (Wasit) and Tal Afar (Nineveh), using a new methodology and a cross-ministry committee; the plan is to expand province by province as resources allow, as southern farmland faces salinity, falling river water and more sandstorms. Local Innovation (Diyala): Students at the University of Diyala showcased projects tackling service, environmental and health needs, including a sensor-based robotic hand for communication, solar-powered lab devices built from commercial components, and a coating approach to reduce mercury ion leakage from dental fillings. Regional Trade & Logistics (Ports): AD Ports Group launched an integrated weekly shipping link between Khalifa Port (UAE) and Umm Qasr Port (Iraq), aiming to boost container and Ro-Ro flows and strengthen connectivity across the Levant and GCC. Shipping Risk (Hormuz): Iran moved to require authorization, route clearance and approved insurance for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns in shipping and energy markets even as some traffic begins to recover. Policy & Security (Iraq): Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi is pushing to confine weapons to the state and curb institutional corruption, with parliament authorizing the government to proceed.

Desertification Watch: Iraq’s agriculture ministry says it will soon publish results of a first national desertification assessment covering Nasiriyah, al-Suwaira and Tal Afar, using a new method and a cross-ministry committee—then expand province by province as resources allow, as drought, soil salinity, falling river levels and sandstorms keep worsening. Student Innovation in Diyala: Engineering students at the University of Diyala showcased projects tackling service, environmental and health needs, from sensor-based robotic hands for communication to solar-powered training devices and a coating aimed at reducing mercury leakage from dental materials. Trade & Environment Link: AD Ports Group launched an integrated weekly logistics service between Khalifa Port and Iraq’s Umm Qasr, boosting container and Ro-Ro flows and strengthening regional connectivity—an indirect but important factor for supply chains and sustainable growth. Heat & Water Safety: FIFA’s new hydration breaks at the World Cup are drawing criticism over how they’re applied, with fans and coaches questioning whether the timing disrupts play even as extreme heat remains a real risk.

Strait of Hormuz & Oil Markets: Oil prices eased after tanker movement resumed through the Strait of Hormuz following a US-Iran interim agreement, with analysts warning that clearing the shipping backlog could take weeks as logistics and security questions remain unresolved. Environmental Security: A new EU Today White Paper argues fossil fuel dependence is also a strategic security risk, linking fuel systems to conflict pathways like chokepoints, price shocks, and environmental damage. Oceans Protection: African and Commonwealth nations urged fast implementation of the High Seas Treaty, saying ocean protection still exists “on paper” even as satellite images show freshwater sources disappearing. Iraq Water & Health Alert: A serious warning flags E. coli contamination in the Tigris River, raising fears of deadly disease risks for Iraqis. Local Waste & Services: Reports highlight Iraq’s Baqubah struggling with waste collection, adding pressure to public health and the environment. Digital Rights Under Pressure: Cloudflare says it blocked 38.5 billion cyberattacks on civil society groups, including an Iraq-based digital rights group, underscoring how conflict and instability spill into information ecosystems.

Energy Security in Iraq: Iraq says it’s pushing a strategic floating LNG project in Khor Al-Zubair with American firms to turn imported gas into power-plant fuel, aiming to stabilize the grid during peak demand. Regional Energy Shock: Coverage highlights how the Strait of Hormuz reopening could ease oil and shipping disruptions that have hit Iraq’s export capacity and power supply. Nuclear Safety Watch: UAE and partners condemned an attack on the Barakah nuclear plant, with regulators stressing safety, security, and independent resident inspector oversight. Cyber Risk for Iraq’s Digital Rights: A major Fortinet credential leak (“FortiBleed”) exposed logins and passwords for tens of thousands of internet-facing devices worldwide, raising the risk of intrusions into organizations including Iraq-based groups. Heat & Sports Policy: FIFA’s mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup are drawing backlash over match flow—an indirect reminder of how extreme heat planning matters for public health.

Heat & Sports Governance: FIFA’s new hydration breaks at the midpoint of each half are drawing backlash for disrupting play and shifting momentum, even as organizers cite extreme summer heat across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Iraq in the Spotlight: Iraq kicked off its World Cup campaign with a 4-1 loss to Norway, with coach Graham Arnold stressing lessons from costly mistakes despite a strong first 70 minutes. Desertification Watch: Kuwait marked World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, saying it’s stepping up monitoring and awareness to curb drivers like overgrazing and off-road vehicle damage. Water & Climate Risk: A University of Oxford study flags heat-wave risk in Colombia’s biggest cities, warning that heat becomes far deadlier when poverty and weak infrastructure stack the odds. Regional Energy Stakes: Oil prices are sliding as markets price in a US-Iran interim ceasefire path that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz—key for global crude, LNG, and fertilizer flows. Iraq-Linked Security Tech: A report on VPN bans notes Iraq’s consumer VPN ban remains in place, with ISPs reporting usage to authorities.

Strait of Hormuz & Iraq’s energy risk: A tentative US-Iran deal is raising hopes that oil and LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz can restart, but analysts warn it may take months for crude to return to normal levels—and longer for LNG—after damage to Qatar’s facilities. Heat & public safety: With extreme temperatures rising, guidance highlights how to recognize heat illness and reduce risk as hotter summers become more common. Conflict’s hidden environmental toll: A new report stresses how war damages soil, water, forests, and farmland through explosions, contamination, and unexploded remnants—harms that can linger long after fighting ends. Iraq-linked infrastructure under pressure: Bahrain and dozens of countries condemned a drone attack targeting electrical infrastructure near the Barakah nuclear plant, calling it a threat to regional stability and international law. ISIS threat in Syria: Researchers warn ISIS remains capable of sustaining operations in Syria during the transition, including attacks tied to oil logistics. World Cup heat policy debate: FIFA’s hydration breaks are meant for player welfare in North America’s heat, but critics say they disrupt momentum—an issue that matters for how sports manage climate stress.

Nuclear Safety & Security: Bahrain and dozens of countries condemned an armed drone attack on electrical infrastructure outside the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE, calling it a violation of international law and a regional threat. Energy & Climate-Linked Risk: A US-Iran framework to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz is already pushing crude prices down and easing gas prices, though shipping normalization could take weeks or months. Iraq Environment Watch: Iraq’s contamination risk is highlighted by reporting that the Tigris River is contaminated with E. coli, raising serious public-health stakes for Iraqis. Local Resilience & Health: Apex Health in Iraq received top recognition from the Arab Hospitals Federation for sustained, measurable healthcare performance, including awards across Iraqi hospitals. Diplomacy: A US envoy visit to Baghdad signals a push for a “new direction” in US-Iraq ties, including efforts to rein in Iranian-backed militias.

US-Iraq Diplomacy: U.S. envoy Tom Barrack met Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi to push a “new direction” for stronger bilateral ties, with Iraq aiming to attract investment, rebuild the economy, and rein in Iran-backed militias. Energy & Environment: Iraq backed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after a US-Iran MoU, highlighting how stable oil and gas flows matter for energy security and regional stability. Power Efficiency in the Region: Jordan inaugurated a fogging system at the Rehab Power Plant to boost turbine efficiency during summer peaks—an example of practical upgrades to cut waste and improve reliability. Water & Health Risk: A warning circulated that the Tigris River is contaminated with E. coli, raising fears of serious disease impacts for Iraqis. Biodiversity Tech: A new global study says AI can identify millions of plant and fungi specimens and track climate-driven shifts in flowering—useful for conservation planning.

Nuclear Safety & Diplomacy: A coalition of 79 countries condemned a May 17 drone attack launched from Iraq that hit electrical infrastructure outside the Barakah nuclear plant in the UAE, warning of possible transboundary radiological, environmental, and health risks. Regional Energy & Environment: As the US and Iran move toward ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry backed the diplomatic breakthrough, stressing the strait’s role in keeping oil and gas flows steady—key for regional stability and pollution-risk planning around shipping. Maritime Pressure Signals: Reporting described near-zero visible commercial traffic and intensified IRGC small-craft activity during June 11–14, while export activity stayed constrained—an environmental red flag for spill and accident risk if navigation rules stay unclear. Iraq’s Local Environment Watch: Iraq Mall faces an electricity crisis that could shut down operations, threatening 20,000 jobs—an indirect hit to urban services and energy reliability. Biodiversity Tech: A new study says AI can rapidly identify millions of plant and fungi specimens and track flowering shifts, offering tools for conservation as climate stress reshapes ecosystems.