AGP Executive Report

Water & Pollution Crisis: Iraq’s fish deaths are being linked to a worsening water and pollution problem, with reports citing large-scale die-offs in the Mesopotamian marshes and a $3.8M+ plan to tackle water hyacinth. Environmental Infrastructure in Cities: Karbala has launched a 90-kilometer green belt and million-tree project, aiming to cool and protect urban and peri-urban areas. Climate & Land Degradation: Desertification is threatening more than half of Iraq’s land, raising pressure on farming and water supplies. Security & Environment Spillover: Strait of Hormuz disruptions are driving sharp drops in Iraq’s oil exports, which can ripple into energy, air quality, and coastal marine risks across the region. Governance & State Control: Iraq shut 71 fake PMF offices and moved to tighten weapons regulation—an internal stability step that can indirectly affect environmental enforcement and public safety planning.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure on Iraq’s Oil: Iraq’s crude exports have plunged to about 1.5–1.75 million bpd as the Strait of Hormuz stays effectively closed, pushing Baghdad to seek alternative routes via Turkey’s Ceyhan port and other pipelines. Energy Costs Ripple: Reliance is reportedly paying $23m–$25m to move two million barrels, with freight priced around 12 times benchmark as shipping firms avoid Hormuz risk—costs that ultimately hit regional economies. Maritime Deal Talks: Iran and Oman are nearing a framework for new navigation lanes, but full reopening still hinges on broader US-linked conditions, keeping uncertainty high for Gulf trade and logistics. Karbala Green Belt: Al-Abbas Holy Shrine launched a 90-kilometer green belt project in Karbala, adding a rare bright spot amid regional disruption. Water & Pollution Alarm: Reports point to fish deaths and worsening water pollution in Iraq’s marshes, underscoring an urgent environmental and public health strain. Digital Push: Iraq is accelerating digitization of banking and customs to streamline trade and improve transparency for businesses. Militia Disarmament Drive: Baghdad reiterates a September 30 deadline for armed groups to hand over weapons to the state, a move analysts say could affect security planning across the country.

Water & Environment: Iraq’s water crisis is hitting food hard. A new CSGIS report says many secondary crops and vegetables fell sharply in 2025 due to irrigation limits, reduced water allocations, and climate pressures—tomatoes down 44.2%, watermelon down 42.5%, and tree crops down 88.2%. Water Management: The Water Resources Ministry secured Cabinet approval for about $3.82M to fight water hyacinth and pollution risks in the Tigris and Euphrates, while also planning a barrier in Basra to slow saltwater intrusion. Greening Karbala: The Al-Abbas Holy Shrine launched a 90-kilometer green belt project in Karbala, aiming to plant one million trees to combat desertification and expand green space. Oil & Climate-Linked Disruption: Iraq’s crude exports plunged to 1.5–1.7 million bpd after the Strait of Hormuz closure, down from about 3.4 million bpd, pushing plans for alternative routes like Aqaba and the Basra–Fishkhabur pipeline. Digital Governance: Iraq is speeding up digitizing banking and customs, linking electronic payments with customs systems to modernize trade and improve transparency.

Anti-Corruption Drive: Iraq’s “Dawn Crackdown” has recovered about 482.6 billion dinars (around $371.6M) in stolen assets, including cash, gold, and currency conversions, with dozens of arrests reported since late July. Water Security: Iraq says it reached understandings with Turkey and Syria to increase water releases, as the country battles long-running shortages. River Pollution & Health: A $3.82M plan targets water hyacinth and pollution risks in the Tigris and Euphrates, alongside steps to address saltwater intrusion in Basra. Fisheries Warning: Iraq reports recurring mass fish deaths tied to worsening water scarcity and persistent pollution, raising alarms for aquatic ecosystems and livelihoods. Green Belt Push: Karbala’s Abbasid Shrine launched a 90-kilometer green belt project—one million trees—to fight desertification and reclaim desert land. Oil Exports Hit by Hormuz: Iraq’s exports fell to about 1.5–1.7M bpd as Strait of Hormuz closure disrupts shipments, while officials push alternative routes and gas investment. Kirkuk Energy Upgrade: BP’s Kirkuk development contract was activated, aiming to raise output to 420,000 bpd and cut gas flaring by using captured gas for power. Security & Environment Link: Authorities say they dismantled a drone network and thwarted attacks on vital sites, as Baghdad pushes to keep weapons under state control.

Strait of Hormuz Shock to Iraq’s Energy: Iraq’s oil exports have plunged from about 3.4 million bpd to roughly 1.5–1.7 million bpd as the Strait of Hormuz stays closed, with the Oil Ministry pointing to alternative routes like the Port of Aqaba export plan and the Basra–Fishkhabur pipeline under a BOT model. Oil Infrastructure + Gas Flare Cuts: Iraq has activated BP’s Kirkuk development contract, targeting 420,000 bpd peak output from 320,000 bpd and aiming to capture associated gas to eliminate continuous flaring and feed power generation. Water + Pollution Hitting Food and Wildlife: Iraq’s crop production fell in 2025 due to irrigation limits and climate stress, while recurring fish die-offs (1,000+ tons this year) are tied to water scarcity and untreated sewage/industrial pollution. Green Belt for Desertification Fight: Karbala’s Abbasid Shrine launched a 90-kilometer green belt planting drive—one million trees—to expand green space and reclaim desert land. Regional Pressure on Shipping: Iran says Hormuz reopening depends on US demands and talks with Oman, as regional states warn that attacks and disruptions threaten maritime security and global trade. Governance + Reform Signals: Iraq’s PM told France coalition forces must leave by Sept. 30, while Macron backed Iraq’s anti-corruption push.

Water & Pollution Crisis: Iraq is facing another major fish die-off, with the Green Iraq Observatory warning that over 1,000 tons of fish have died this year as recurring contamination and water mismanagement hit the Tigris and Diyala. The first big episode in April struck Wasit province, where untreated sewage and industrial waste were blamed, with Hamrin Dam releases carrying pollutants downstream and triggering poisoning and skin injuries. A second die-off was reported in early August in Maysan’s Al-Amshan Canal, linked to sharply reduced water releases that leave fish trapped in narrow channels with lower oxygen. Regional Security & Energy Pressure: Separately, ADNOC says repeated attacks in the Strait of Hormuz are disrupting tanker operations, underscoring how conflict is tightening pressure on Gulf energy routes. Digital Services in Iraq: Apple has been certified by Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission as a trusted digital service provider, including the App Store and Apple Music, and is moving toward wider official device distribution via Asiacell.

Marshland Crisis in Iraq: Environmental activist Murtada al-Janoubi warns of another mass fish die-off across Iraq’s southern marshes, with deaths concentrated in Maysan’s central marshes, the al-Amshan canal, and the al-Ezz river as water recedes and oxygen levels crash. He says the pattern has repeated for three years and could spread toward the Hawizeh Marsh unless the Ministry of Water Resources releases urgent water quotas to keep levels stable. Regional Security Pressure on Energy Routes: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed a “Mecca” joint defense pact pledging that an attack on one is an attack on all, amid heightened Gulf tensions and threats to oil and shipping flows. Iraq Security Policy: Iraq’s Security Media Cell says the government’s push to restrict weapons to state control is “no turning back,” linking the disarmament drive to safer conditions for communities and stronger institutions. Maritime Safety Upgrade: JAK Maritime in Iraq becomes an approved training centre for Maritime Search and Rescue Council-certified training, aiming to strengthen regional disaster response capacity.

Mesopotamian Marshes: Fish die-offs are recurring across Iraq’s southern wetlands, with activists in Maysan warning the latest deaths are centered in the al-Amshan canal and al-Ezz river as water recedes and oxygen drops; they fear the Hawizeh Marsh could be next unless the Ministry of Water Resources releases urgent water quotas. Water & Land Stress: The same marsh decline is tied to longer-term drying, livestock losses, and reduced agricultural quotas, raising alarms about worsening ecosystem collapse. Governance & Environment: Iraq’s Cabinet set a 10-working-day audit limit for strategic, urgent, and high-value government contracts over IQD 1 billion, aiming to speed oversight and reduce delays on major projects. Regional Waterway Policy: Iran’s parliament is reviewing an 11-article draft to manage security, navigation, and environmental protection in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf, including services like navigational guidance and environmental documentation, while proposing bans on vessels linked to “hostile” states. Energy Pressure: Oil prices moved on renewed hopes for a temporary Hormuz shipping corridor as Iran-Oman talks continue, keeping regional shipping and environmental risks in the spotlight.

Desertification Alarm: Iraq’s Green Observatory warns 55.5% of the country’s land is at risk of desertification, with 23.2% already degraded, as dust storms rise and soil salinity, erosion, pollution, and marshland drying intensify. Water & Health Pressure: The report links environmental decline to mounting threats to water, food, and public health, urging authorities to declare a climate emergency before conditions worsen. Oil-Sector Resilience: In Baghdad, the Iraqi Drilling Company says it completed rehabilitation of well WQ1-132 at West Qurna 1, aiming to boost efficiency and sustain crude output. Security Readiness: Iraq’s PM orders higher operational readiness across security forces amid regional tensions. Hormuz Shipping Shock (Regional): Iran’s parliament reviews a draft plan that would restrict passage for “hostile” vessels, while oil prices react and Red Sea attacks continue—an indirect risk to regional energy flows that can ripple into Iraq’s environment and water systems.

Iraq Security & Governance: Baghdad warned armed groups that using Iraqi soil to attack neighboring countries will be treated as criminal acts under the Anti-Terrorism Law, as the state pushes to keep weapons under government control. Sanctions & Transport: The US Treasury delisted Iraq’s Fly Baghdad airline and two Boeing 737s from IRGC-linked sanctions after “operational changes,” while keeping broader Iran policy unchanged. Water & Health: Reports highlight worsening water stress in Iraq, including severe drought impacts in Diyala and ongoing contamination concerns in Baghdad’s Tigris. Investment & Sustainable Development: Iraq’s National Investment Commission chief met the head of the Iraqi Economic Council to improve the investment climate and strengthen public-private partnerships tied to sustainable development plans. Global Climate/Environment Policy: The GEF named Diego Mesa Puyo as its next CEO and chair, signaling renewed focus on environmental goals toward 2030.

Water Crisis in Iraq: The Euphrates River is shrinking again, reviving fears of drought, pollution, and public health fallout across Iraq, Syria, and Turkey—some communities even link the decline to end-times beliefs, while scientists point to climate stress and long-running water mismanagement. Regional Security Watch: The UN says ISIS remains a serious threat despite counterterrorism pressure, with affiliates adapting and exploiting fragile security conditions—especially across Africa’s Sahel and Lake Chad areas. Iraq–Turkey Cooperation: Iraq’s new government push is reflected in deeper Türkiye-Iraq coordination, including trade and logistics, with analysts stressing the relationship is becoming more institutional and long-term. Diplomacy & Trade: Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt agreed to expand trilateral cooperation via technical committees, with talks also touching the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to reduce regional tensions. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Iran and Oman move toward arrangements to reopen shipping, but Iran says it won’t fully open the strait until a U.S. blockade ends—while U.S. actions have redirected dozens of vessels.

Water Crisis in Diyala: Nearly 40 villages in Iraq’s Diyala province are facing severe water shortages as drought and encroachments hit the Kharisan River system; local officials say an agreement was reached with the Water Resources Ministry to dredge the river to protect water flow to farmland ahead of the next agricultural season. River Pollution in Baghdad: Shafaq News reports untreated sewage is still being discharged into the Tigris in Baghdad, with multiple raw-outlet pipes observed between Bab Al-Muadham and Karrada, raising alarms for public health and freshwater ecosystems. Tourism + Heritage Push: Iraq unveiled its Tourism Vision 2035, aiming to attract 10 million visitors by 2035 through infrastructure upgrades, workforce development, and restoration/maintenance of archaeological and natural attractions across Baghdad, Mosul, Basra, Karbala, and Erbil. Climate Data Gap: A satellite-based study finds oil-and-gas and industrial sources in parts of the Middle East and North Africa emit far more CO2 than official records suggest, meaning some countries may be farther from their climate goals than expected.

Water Crisis in Diyala: Nearly 40 villages in Iraq’s Diyala face severe water shortages as drought and river/canal encroachments cut supplies; local officials say an agreement is in place to dredge the Kharisan River to push water toward farmland before the next season. River Pollution in Baghdad: Untreated sewage is still contaminating the Tigris in Baghdad, with Shafaq News reporting multiple raw discharge outlets and pipes after a “redirect” effort that still sends wastewater straight into the river. Tourism Push: Iraq unveiled its Tourism Vision 2035, aiming to attract 10 million visitors by 2035 through infrastructure upgrades, workforce development, and restoration/preservation of archaeological, cultural, religious, and natural sites. Arba’een Strain and Scale: Millions are converging on Karbala for Arba’een, with authorities reporting record foreign pilgrim arrivals since Muharram and expanding shrine facilities to handle the surge. Carbon Emissions Underreported: A satellite-based study finds oil, gas, and some mining sources in the Middle East and northern Africa emit far more CO2 than official records show, with industrial sources like heavy-equipment mining appearing “off the books.” Security Pressure on Militias: Kataib Hezbollah rejected disarmament demands, vowing to expand its arsenal—raising risks for Iraq’s security environment and potential spillover impacts.

Water Crisis in Diyala: More than 40 villages in Iraq’s Diyala province are facing severe drought and falling river flows, forcing people to rely on groundwater wells as irrigation fails and water reaches only parts of Bahraz town. Strait of Hormuz Shipping Talks: Iran says it’s negotiating with Oman on a temporary, safer two-way shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, while denying US-led talks—an issue that directly affects regional trade and environmental risk from disrupted maritime routes. PFAS Toxic Legacy: A new report highlights how decades of PFAS-based firefighting foam left “forever chemicals” contaminating communities, including military and airport areas, with long-term health concerns. Euphrates Drying Fears: Another story warns that the Euphrates could dry up by 2040, fueling anxiety about climate-driven water collapse in the Fertile Crescent. Military SINKEX and Environmental Rules: The US Navy sunk the decommissioned USS Peleliu in a live-fire exercise, noting cleanup and deep-water requirements under environmental rules.

Water Crisis: More than 40 villages in Iraq’s Diyala province, south of Bahraz, are facing severe water shortages as drought and shrinking river flows leave farmland and households dependent on groundwater wells. Public Health & Environment During Arbaeen: Baghdad Municipality is stepping up services along the “Ya Hussein” route ahead of Arbaeen, including drinking water supply, street cleaning, waste collection, and awareness campaigns on conserving water and keeping areas clean. Health Preparedness for Mass Gatherings: The WHO says Arbaeen is one of the world’s largest annual gatherings and is supporting Iraq’s health system with emergency readiness, disease surveillance, rapid response, and coordination with local health directorates and shrine authorities. Regional Security Pressure: Iraq’s Prime Minister Al-Zaidi reiterated that Iraqi territory will not be used to launch or transit attacks against neighboring countries, calling for a joint security committee to prevent repeat incidents. Climate & Disaster Context: A wider regional picture of heat, power outages, and fires—from North Africa to Iraq—continues to strain water and electricity systems, worsening daily life for communities.

Climate Resilience & Water Governance: WFP and ICBA launched the MURUNA (“resilience”) project in Iraq to tackle drought, desertification, rising temperatures, and shrinking Tigris-Euphrates flows, using inclusive water governance, better community water management, and climate-smart agriculture to protect food security. Air & Water Pollution Risk in Health Care: Diyala authorities sued Al-Batool Teaching Hospital over alleged environmental violations from its medical waste incinerator, saying smoke emissions breached health standards and affected nearby homes—highlighting Iraq’s wider struggle with hazardous waste treatment. Heatwave Watch: Iraq and parts of the region brace for a heat dome, with Iraq among the worst-hit areas as temperatures near 50°C in coming days, raising risks for health, water demand, and rural livelihoods. Arbaeen Pressure on Services: Iraq mobilized transport and service plans for Arbaeen in Karbala, with hundreds of buses and added rail services to move millions of pilgrims—an environmental stress test for waste, water, and local infrastructure. Maritime Threats to Shipping: Fresh incidents around the Strait of Hormuz reported threats and explosions involving tankers and an LNG carrier near Oman, keeping pollution and supply-route risks high. Regional Security Spillover: Prime Minister Al-Zaidi reiterated Iraq will not allow its territory to be used for attacks on neighbors, while US embassies urged Americans to consider departing amid heightened escalation fears—conditions that can quickly disrupt environmental monitoring and emergency response.