AGP Executive Report

Smart Waste & Pollution Control: Iraq’s first smart waste collection system is being rolled out in Karbala across 17 areas, using an underground network to move household waste to transfer stations—aimed at cleaner cities and lower pollution and carbon emissions. Water Pollution & Health Risks: In Al-Anbar, authorities plan legal action after untreated sewage flowed into the Euphrates in Hit, with inspections and possible penalties under Iraq’s 2009 environmental law; the parliament has also been reviewing river pollution nationwide. Iraq–UNGA Climate/Environment Context: Saudi and Kuwait officials used UN General Assembly remarks to link regional stability with global energy security and maritime navigation—issues that can directly affect environmental and pollution pressures along key waterways. Green Project Momentum: A new look at Iraq’s “green era” in project management points to expanding solar and waste-to-resource efforts, including Karbala’s operating solar plant and Baghdad’s waste projects, as Iraq pushes toward higher clean-energy capacity.

Iraq–US Aviation Talks: Iraq says it’s in “direct dialogue” with the US to secure exemptions so some Iraqi airports can resume flights tied to humanitarian needs after Iran–Iraq air links were suspended. UN Reform & Climate Pressure: UNGA 81 debates whether the UN can still deliver, with island nations and leaders warning that climate change is testing the system’s limits. UN Security & War/Peace Control: Iraq’s PM Al-Zaidi tells the UN that decisions on war and peace should stay with the state and constitutional institutions, while weapons and force instruments remain under government control. Iraq–US Banking Link: Al-Zaidi hosts a New York roundtable to reconnect Iraq’s banking sector with major US lenders and push for direct correspondent relationships. Sustainable Energy & Waste: An Iraq-focused look at “green project management” highlights new solar capacity in Karbala and Basra and waste-to-resources efforts in Baghdad, including plans for organic fertiliser and sustainable aviation fuel. Regional Energy Routes at Risk: With Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb under strain from the wider Iran–Red Sea conflict, shipping and oil costs remain a major pressure point for the region.

Education & Community: The Rwanga Foundation, funded directly by Kurdistan Region of Iraq President Nechirvan Barzani, delivered a new building for Qara Oghlan Primary School and Khonchagul Kindergarten in Kifri, adding nine classrooms plus science labs for about 150 Turkmen-language students and teachers. State Control & Security: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi told the UN General Assembly that Iraq wants the state to decide on war and peace and keep weapons under constitutional institutions, while pushing anti-corruption and economic reforms. Energy & Environment Risks: Al-Zaidi also warned that disruptions to transportation and maritime navigation are driving up global energy prices, and said Iraq is diversifying export routes and developing the Development Road linking Grand Faw Port to Türkiye and onward to Europe. Climate & Conflict Link: At UNGA, leaders including Iraq and Lebanon called for decisions on war and peace to stay with governments, while UN discussions highlighted how climate shocks and instability amplify human risk.

Tigris & Euphrates Pollution: Iraq’s parliament approved recommendations from a probe into pollution in the Tigris and Euphrates, with lawmakers warning the dumping problem is worsening and calling for a “water emergency.” Officials cited roughly 10 million cubic meters of pollutants and waste entering waterways, including major flows toward Baghdad via the Diyala River, and urged stronger penalties for polluters, including in the air. Climate & Business Resilience: A UNDRR-backed push focuses on strengthening Iraqi SMEs against climate and environmental risks like drought, extreme heat, dust storms, flash floods, and broader degradation—linking enterprise resilience to recovery and displacement pressures. Green Tech Spotlight: Iranian firm Carbon Bared was named a finalist for the 2026 WPC Energy Excellence Awards for a CO2 recovery and utilization project at Tehran Oil Refinery, targeting industrial and food-grade liquid CO2. Water Security in the Region: Kuwait’s crown prince told the UN that Iranian attacks have targeted civilian infrastructure and accused Iran of obstructing maritime navigation and using Hormuz as leverage—raising fresh concerns for regional water and energy stability.

Water Pollution Watch: Iraq’s parliament approved recommendations to tackle pollution in the Tigris and Euphrates, with officials citing about 10 million cubic meters of waste and pollutants entering waterways and warning of an environmental disaster unless action accelerates. Accountability Push: Lawmakers said ministers must raise the issue at the next cabinet meeting, while the Environment Ministry called for maximum legal penalties for polluters and complained that other bodies are not responding to notices. Culture & Learning Links: In Erbil, the Rwanga Foundation and the French Institute agreed to expand education, culture, and research cooperation, including exchange programs and new study opportunities for Kurdistan youth. Digital Rights Gap: Iraq’s media community is sounding alarms over copy-and-paste republication without attribution, arguing weak enforcement is harming journalism economics and ethics. Human Rights Risk: A Baghdad court case involving six French nationals accused of Islamic State links is raising fears of arbitrary execution and trial-rights violations after their transfer from northeastern Syria.

Strait of Hormuz & Oil Security: With Iran war pressure still reshaping shipping, analysts say oil supply is holding near current needs, but “workarounds” are getting pricier and may not last, while Hormuz transit remains far from normal. Diplomacy at the UN: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told the UN war was “imposed,” while Iran’s foreign ministry says it has sent “clear and transparent” conditions for talks, including ending the naval blockade and lifting blocked assets. Regional Environment Link: A France-Iraq push is gaining momentum, with Paris backing a UN Security Council push aimed at reopening Hormuz to reduce risks to global energy markets—an indirect but major factor for regional pollution and air-quality pressures. Iraq Security & Sovereignty: Turkey and Iraq agreed on a “gradual” handover of the Zilkan/Bashiqa-Zilkan camp to Iraqi authorities, alongside steps to extend Iraqi state authority in Sinjar. Local Green Effort: Al-Abbas Holy Shrine begins planting one million trees to build a green belt around Karbala.

Strait of Hormuz & Iraq-linked energy risk: France says Iraq ties are gaining momentum and backs a UN Security Council push to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to cut pressure on global energy markets. Diplomacy with teeth: Iran says its “clear, transparent” conditions for reviving talks with the US include ending the naval blockade and other “aggressive actions,” while Germany urges Iran to loosen its “stranglehold” and restore free transit. Water & climate pressure: A new global study warns freshwater losses are accelerating, with aquifer pumping and climate drivers making the situation “very dire” in multiple regions. Local planning for resilience: Erbil’s KRI Ministry updates the city master plan for 2025–2050, explicitly factoring in environment, water, sanitation, and roads. Security & sovereignty in Nineveh: Turkey will “gradually” hand over the Zilkan/Bashiqa-Zilkan camp to Iraq under an agreed timeline, alongside steps to extend Iraqi state authority in Sinjar.

Iraq’s gas flaring push: Iraq says a Chinese-built gas processing facility at the EBS oilfield near Baghdad is now operating, aiming to cut waste and convert flared gas into usable energy, supporting “green and low-carbon” development and energy security. State control of weapons: Iraq’s National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Aboudi told the US chargé d’affaires that Baghdad is committed to bringing weapons under state control, following Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s plan to complete disarmament of armed factions by June 30, 2027. Digital and AI capacity in the region: At the Google Cloud Summit in Doha, Qatar highlighted AI skilling for the wider region, with Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government among entities mentioned as adopting cloud and AI solutions. Regional energy corridor debate: US support for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is being framed as a way to move energy infrastructure away from chokepoints vulnerable to Iran-linked pressure.

Energy & Climate: Iraq moved to cut wasteful gas flaring with a Chinese-built gas processing facility put into operation at the EBS oilfield, aiming to turn stranded natural gas into usable energy and support “green and low-carbon” development. Air & Pollution Watch: A sulfur-like odor reported in Baghdad has been linked to pollution and thermal inversion conditions, raising fresh concerns about air quality. Water & Nature: Iraq’s environment pressures continue as reports warn drought and poaching are threatening wildlife in the desert. Trees & Restoration: Karbala’s Al-Abbas Holy Shrine has started planting one million trees to build a green belt around the city. Policy & Governance: Iraq’s National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Aboudi reaffirmed the push to bring weapons under state control in talks with the US, while also stressing broader reforms—an indirect reminder that stability and enforcement matter for environmental protection too. Regional Context: With Hormuz and regional shipping still under strain, energy disruptions could ripple into fuel and transport costs, affecting emissions and air pollution.

Fuel Crisis in Iraq: Iraq’s parliament voted on Monday on 11 recommendations to tackle worsening fuel shortages, including reviewing the impact of recent oil-derivative price hikes, drafting an urgent plan to prevent bottlenecks, tightening oversight of distribution from storage to filling stations, and requiring detailed reporting on production, imports, consumption, costs, and provincial supply. Fuel Governance & Accountability: Lawmakers also pushed for a clear timeline toward self-sufficiency in oil derivatives and called for legal accountability for manipulation or smuggling, with the Oil and Gas Committee tasked to monitor progress. Security After US Withdrawal: A report warns Iraq is entering a sensitive security period as the planned withdrawal of US-led forces approaches, with border areas (Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran) flagged as potential flashpoints where armed groups could exploit vulnerabilities. Regional Arms Under State Control: Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York, reiterating Iraq’s push to complete sovereign transitions and enforce the state monopoly over weapons. Environment Watch—Pollution Signal: Baghdad has been linked to a sulfur-like odor tied to pollution and thermal inversion, raising fresh concerns about air quality.

Fuel Crisis Watch: Iraq’s parliament voted on recommendations to tackle worsening fuel shortages, including reviewing the impact of recent oil-derivative price hikes and ordering an urgent plan to prevent supply bottlenecks, improve province-by-province distribution, and tighten oversight to curb manipulation or smuggling. Water Pollution Crackdown: Iraq’s Environment Minister says “all legal and punitive measures” will be taken against polluters of the Tigris and Euphrates, after warnings that aquatic life in the Euphrates is unsafe for consumption; the plan includes a clear timeframe for ministries and provinces to act. Security After US Withdrawal: As the planned US-led withdrawal nears, a report warns Iraq could face security gaps and border risks, with instability potentially spreading from areas along Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. Regional Tensions & Shipping: With the US-Iran standoff ongoing, Strait of Hormuz traffic remains far below normal as analysts say shipowners are adapting, while US embassies across the region issue alerts about possible rapid escalation and travel disruptions.

Civilians and war’s human cost: A new debate in the U.S. is pushing for empathy and support for families of civilians killed by military actions, arguing the “third rail” topic is getting louder as public awareness grows. Regional security and environment risk: U.S. embassies across the Middle East issued alerts for Americans, warning of rapid escalation tied to Saudi-Houthi fighting and the wider Iran conflict—conditions that can quickly disrupt air travel and energy flows. Diplomacy push: Qatar says its mediation team has been working for nearly two weeks to restart U.S.-Iran talks, stressing that protecting waterways like the Strait of Hormuz is key to stability. Iraq oil clarity: Iraq’s Oil Ministry says September crude exports average about 2.6 million bpd, calling a higher “4 million” figure a one-day peak from tanker scheduling. Green belt in Karbala: Al-Abbas Holy Shrine has begun planting one million trees to build a green belt around Karbala. Local environment and health: Reports highlight Baghdad’s sulfur-like odor linked to pollution and thermal inversion, while another monitor notes Iraqi hospitals dumping medical waste into the Tigris and Euphrates. Airspace incident: Kurdistan air defenses shot down a drone near Erbil International Airport, with investigations ongoing.

Air Quality & Climate Risk: Iraq’s Green Iraqi Observatory warns climate change and desertification could drive up to 300 sand and dust storms a year in the next decade, with six “hotspots” mostly in central, western, and southern areas. Urban Greening: Al-Abbas Holy Shrine in Karbala has started planting one million trees in a 50,000-dunam green belt project to cut dust storms, sand encroachment, desertification, and improve air quality. Local Environment & Health: A report on Afghanistan highlights how pollution and weak governance can translate into rising non-communicable diseases, underscoring the health-environment link relevant across the region. Security With Environmental Spillover: In Kurdistan, air defenses shot down a drone near Erbil Airport, while US embassies issued travel alerts across the Middle East due to rapid escalation risks—conditions that can disrupt flights, logistics, and emergency response during environmental hazards.

Climate & Health: Iraq’s Green Iraqi Observatory warns climate change and desertification could drive up to 300 sand and dust storm days annually over the next decade, with six “hotspots” mainly in central, western, and southern areas—storms already spreading to neighboring countries and worsening breathing problems. Security & Travel: The U.S. State Department and multiple embassies, including in Iraq, issued “heightened vigilance” alerts after Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, warning of possible rapid escalation, flight cancellations, and airspace closures, and urging Americans to avoid demonstrations and monitor airport operations. Iraq Sovereignty: Iraq says the Sept. 30 end of the US-led coalition mission against ISIS will be a “sovereign milestone,” shifting toward bilateral cooperation based on respect for Iraqi sovereignty and mutual interests. Regional Tensions: As the U.S.-Iran and Saudi-Houthi standoff deepens, the White House returned Trump to Washington early and reiterated that the security environment remains complex with potential unforeseen escalation. Academic Links: Iraq’s University of Technology met Spain’s Seville and Granada universities to expand research cooperation, exchanges, and joint projects under Erasmus+.

Iraq’s sovereignty shift: Iraq says the Sept. 30 end of the US-led coalition’s military mission is a “sovereign milestone,” moving toward bilateral ties and full state control over security decisions. Red Sea pressure: US Embassy in Baghdad warns Americans of possible escalation and travel disruptions tied to the Houthis’ attacks and wider regional tensions. Wildlife under strain: Najaf’s desert and wetlands are facing rising drought, water shortages, unregulated hunting, and vehicle intrusion, threatening mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and migratory birds. Medicines and tariffs: Iraq’s General Customs Authority sets medicines at a 0.5% customs duty, while vitamins/supplements face higher rates, after earlier confusion over classifications. Displacement and rebuilding: Over 30,000 displaced people have returned to Sinjar as Iraq and the UN push reconstruction of water, electricity, healthcare, and education. Counter-terror tech: INTERPOL’s AI-backed operation identified 126 suspected foreign terrorist fighters from jihadist facial images, with Iraq among participating countries.

Wildlife under pressure: Najaf’s desert-to-agriculture belt is facing rising drought, water shortages, unregulated hunting, and vehicle/weapon intrusion, threatening mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians; officials say they’re surveying biodiversity and enforcing CITES to curb illegal trade. Environment & health policy: Iraq’s General Customs Authority set medicines at a 0.5% customs duty and clarified that Health Ministry approvals don’t automatically determine customs classification, after earlier tariff confusion over medicines and medical supplies. Security tech with local links: INTERPOL’s “Operation Shams II” used AI on 108,076 facial images from jihadist content to identify 126 suspected foreign terrorist fighters, with Iraq among participating countries. Sovereignty shift: Iraq says the Sept. 30 end of the US-led coalition’s ISIS mission will move relations with coalition states to bilateral ties based on sovereignty and mutual interests. Regional energy risk: Analysis highlights how attacks and pipeline disruptions are squeezing oil-route redundancy around Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, raising broader supply-chain stress across the region.