AGP Executive Report

MP Immunity Lifted: Iraq’s judiciary moves to strip MP Hasanain Al-Khafaji’s immunity over alleged $500,000 extortion tied to a Baghdad real-estate project, marking a second immunity push in a week. Deadly Road Crash: A bus-truck crash in southern Iraq killed 21 and injured 19, including Iranian pilgrims. Air Force Response: Iraq’s Air Force rejects criticism of its F-16 capability, citing 20,000+ sorties since 2014. Oil Shock & Cash Printing: Iraq’s Central Bank denies “printing money” claims while issuing about 25T dinars to cover spending as oil exports slump amid the Iran war; the finance committee says a 2026 budget is unlikely. Corruption Probe: Kirkuk road works worth over 4 billion dinars face scrutiny after integrity investigators allege concrete and steel violations and arrest the project engineer. World Cup Drama: Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago’s O’Hare before entry; the team photographer was denied U.S. entry. Sports Build-Up: Iraq holds Spain 1-1 in a pre-World Cup friendly, while the Iraqi federation asks FIFA to allow black shirts for Ashura. Regional Ties: Jordan’s leaders meet Iraq’s parliament speaker, stressing security and expanding energy, trade, and investment cooperation.

World Cup Arrival Scrutiny: Iraq’s striker Aymen Hussein was held and questioned for about seven hours at Chicago’s O’Hare after arriving with the squad, with his phone inspected; he was later released, but team photographer Talal Salah was detained for more than 10 hours and denied entry. Roads Funding: The World Bank approved a $900 million initiative to upgrade Iraq’s road infrastructure, aiming to improve safety, reliability, and economic transport corridors. Anti-Corruption Pressure: Analysis says Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s push to curb corruption faces a tough uphill battle, with Washington also tying cooperation to reforms and militia disarmament. Non-Oil Revenue Push: Iraq plans to raise non-oil revenues to 46% as part of a broader “Iraq 2035” economic diversification agenda. State Control of Weapons: Iraq says its weapons-control effort will focus on PMF-affiliated factions under unified state command, not outside armed groups. Oil Transit Denial: Iraq’s Oil Ministry rejected claims that US forces are stopping tankers over payments to Iran for Strait of Hormuz transit. World Cup Squad Update: Ahmed Hassan Makenzie was called up to replace injured Ahmed Yahya for Iraq’s 2026 World Cup squad.

World Cup & Travel Scrutiny: Iraq’s striker Aymen Hussein was detained and questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago’s O’Hare on arrival for the 2026 World Cup, before being allowed in; the team’s photographer Talal Salah was held longer and denied entry after phone checks, while Iraqi officials say Hussein’s phone was inspected too. Kurdistan–Baghdad Money Row: Erbil is set to send a delegation to Baghdad within 48 hours to discuss financial disputes, including ASYCUDA customs implementation and a dollar access embargo affecting Kurdish traders, with Baghdad also expected to visit Erbil soon. Safety Crackdown: Iraq’s civil defense says it closed about 11,000 buildings over the past year for fire and construction violations, with Anbar hit hardest, as summer risks keep pressure on enforcement. Oil & Hormuz Claims Denied: Iraq’s national security advisor rejects reports that Iraq pays Iran transit fees for Hormuz passage, saying Tehran has exempted Iraq from enforcement measures and exports continue normally. Regional Conflict Watch: Reports say Israel used white phosphorus in Lebanon near Nabatieh, while US and Iran-related strikes and shipping risks keep escalating across the Gulf.

Armed Forces & Sovereignty: Iraq’s new push to restrict weapons to the state moved forward as the PMF announced steps to “complete disengagement” from factional ties, with a government committee starting procedures to integrate weapons and facilities into official structures. Fuel & Corruption: Iraq’s Integrity Commission launched surprise field teams to monitor gasoline distribution and curb smuggling amid shortages in Baghdad and provinces, while separate reporting highlighted major cash seizures tied to oil-sector corruption probes. Oil Exports Under Pressure: Iraq’s crude exports averaged about 329,000 bpd in May, with Hormuz-linked shipments still constrained and pipeline routes through Kurdistan-Ceyhan helping only partially. Infrastructure Boost: The World Bank approved a $900m road project for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, targeting key corridors linking Baghdad with Turkey, Syria, and Jordan to improve safety and reliability. Kurdistan-Turkey Talks: Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met Turkey’s ambassador to discuss security, Erbil-Baghdad dialogue, and regional developments. Regional Travel Risk: A US embassy security alert kept Iraq under Level 4 travel caution as tensions remain high. World Cup (Iraq Team): Iraq’s men’s national team began World Cup preparations at the Greenbrier in West Virginia ahead of Group I matches.

World Bank Funding: The World Bank approved a $900 million package to upgrade Iraq and the Kurdistan Region’s road network, targeting key corridors linking Baghdad with Turkey via the Kurdistan route and with Syria/Jordan via an east-west highway, with an expected 7.9 million people benefiting. Fuel Watch in Baghdad: Iraq’s Integrity Commission launched surprise field teams to monitor gasoline distribution at stations, check deliveries against sales, and curb smuggling as shortages continue. Oil Exports Hit Hard: Iraq’s crude exports averaged about 329,000 bpd in May, with Hormuz shipments still limited and the Kurdistan-Ceyhan pipeline only partially offsetting the drop. Arms Under State Control: Iraq’s PMF leadership says a government order is starting “complete disengagement” from political factions via a committee to reorganize ties with armed groups, while officials push weapons to be restricted to state authority. Regional Travel Alerts: The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem warned Americans to reconsider travel across much of the Middle East, keeping Iraq under the highest caution level. World Cup Buzz: Iraq held Spain 1-1 in a World Cup warm-up, with Merchas Doski scoring the equalizer as preparations ramp up.

World Cup Warm-Up: Iraq held Spain to a 1-1 draw in La Coruña, with Ferran Torres scoring for Spain before Merchas Doski equalized for Iraq in the 27th minute as Spain struggled to break a disciplined low block. US-Iran Tensions: A new U.S. security alert warns Americans across the Middle East to stay cautious as the situation “can change quickly,” with Iraq listed under Level 4 “Do Not Travel.” Militia Weapons Under State Control: In Samarra, Saraya al-Salam handed weapons to the Iraqi Army as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi pushes a state monopoly on arms; other Iran-backed groups have signaled similar steps, but Kataib Hezbollah says it will not hand over “a single bullet.” Politics & Government Formation: Iraq’s parliament is expected to hold an extraordinary session to finish voting on remaining cabinet posts after delays over key ministries like defense and interior. Travel Ban Case: Irish engineer Robert Pether, released last year after a dispute involving Iraq’s central bank, remains under a travel ban in Baghdad. Kurdistan-Turkey Talks: Kurdistan leaders met Turkey’s ambassador to stress security, dialogue with Baghdad, and continued oil exports via Turkey’s Ceyhan port.

Kurdistan–Turkey Talks: Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met Turkey’s ambassador to Iraq, Anıl Bora İnan, stressing security, trade ties, and the need to resolve Erbil–Baghdad disputes through dialogue. Oil Exports Restart: The KRG and Baghdad agreed to resume Kurdistan oil exports via Turkey’s Ceyhan port, with the federal government covering attacks on oil facilities in Iraqi territory. Arms Under State Control: Iraq began a first phase of integrating Saraya al-Salam into state security in Samarra, while a joint committee was formed to sever PMF ties and consolidate weapons under Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s authority. Fuel Crunch in Baghdad: Gasoline shortages are pushing drivers back to the black market, where prices can reach triple the official rate. Basra–Iran Border Move: Basra plans to open its largest crossing with Iran next week, including a 36-km rail corridor and compensation for affected homes. National Mourning: Iraq declared three days of mourning after Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Ishaq al-Fayyadh’s death in Najaf. US Travel Warning: The US Embassy in Israel urged Americans across the region to stay alert as tensions with Iran persist.

Arms Under State Control: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi is pushing a fast-track plan to pull Iran-backed factions out of the Popular Mobilization Forces and confine weapons to the state, forming a joint committee with Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib Imam Ali to set mechanisms within two days; the US envoy Tom Barrack praised the move as a step toward sovereignty, but some groups like Saraya Awliya al-Dam say they won’t disarm unless Baghdad guarantees full independence and ends foreign military presence. Oil & Exports: With the Strait of Hormuz still disrupting shipments, Iraq approved a major pipeline push to raise crude exports via Turkey’s Ceyhan to about 770,000 bpd, and ordered Kurdistan oil firms to resume operations after drone-linked shutdowns. Regional Security: Iran-linked attacks continue to ripple across the region, including missile strikes reported against Iranian Kurdish party bases in Iraq’s Kurdistan. World Cup Focus: Iraq’s return to the World Cup spotlight continues as the tournament kicks off June 11 across North America, with Iraq among the featured teams in Group I. Health Watch: Kurdistan reported a confirmed Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever case in Duhok after a Sinjar resident was hospitalized.

Armed Groups & State Control: Pro-Iran Saraya Awliya al-Dam says it won’t disarm unless Baghdad guarantees full Iraqi sovereignty, ends foreign interference, and removes any foreign military presence—while Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi pushes weapons under state control and forms a joint committee to manage PMF disengagement. Oil & Economy: Iraq ordered Kurdistan oil firms to restart operations after drone-linked shutdowns, as Baghdad also ramps output at key southern fields and targets tripling crude exports via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline to Ceyhan (up to 770,000 bpd) to blunt Strait of Hormuz damage. Communications Crackdown: Iraq’s CMC terminated Korek Telecom’s settlement and suspended operations, with the CEO calling the decision unlawful and vowing legal action. Security: PMF says it killed three IS militants in Nineveh, and IRGC missile strikes hit Iranian Kurdish party bases in Erbil’s Alana Valley. Public Health & Pilgrimage: Kurdistan confirmed a Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever case, and Iraq readies major Eid al-Ghadir security and transport plans for millions of pilgrims.

Militias to State Control: Two Iran-backed Iraqi factions, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Imam Ali Brigades, say they’ve started procedures to disengage from the PMF and place weapons under state authority, echoing Muqtada al-Sadr’s earlier Saraya al-Salam move and backed by Iraq’s Coordination Framework. US-Iran Tensions in the Gulf: Trump says US-Iran talks are continuing as Iran suspends message exchanges via mediators; meanwhile, strikes and missile/drone claims keep the ceasefire fragile, with Qeshm Island and Hormuz chokepoint security driving the latest escalation. Armed Groups, Arms, and US Pressure: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Washington expects Iraq’s new PM to take concrete steps against Iran-linked militias and strengthen state control over arms. Oil Shock and Export Workarounds: Iraq’s crude exports collapsed by over 97% in May amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions; Baghdad is pushing reroutes, including tripling Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline flows, and approving Basra oil handling via Syrian ports. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Iraq’s judiciary confirmed detention of Deputy Oil Minister Adnan Al Jumaili, seizing about $10m cash, properties, gold, and weapons in a refinery-contract corruption probe. Maritime Attacks Near Iraq: MSC says its ship Sariska V was hit by two projectiles near Umm Qasr; UKMTO reported an explosion, while IRGC claims retaliation—raising new Gulf security fears. Kurdistan Politics: KDP urges public pressure to break the Kurdistan Region’s long political deadlock and push formation of the next regional government.

Armed Groups & State Control: Two Iran-backed Iraqi militias, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and the Imam Ali Brigades, say they’re starting procedures to hand weapons to the state and step away from the PMF, echoing Muqtada al-Sadr’s earlier Saraya al-Salam move and aligning with Iraq’s push for a state monopoly on arms. Maritime Tensions Off Iraq: MSC confirmed its container ship MSC Sariska V was hit by two projectiles near Umm Qasr; UKMTO reported an explosion, while Iraqi officials questioned whether one incident was an internal fault in a separate case, and Iran’s IRGC claimed cruise-missile retaliation. Politics & Diplomacy: Trump says US-Iran talks are ongoing “continuously,” while Rubio tells senators he’s optimistic about nuclear talks but rules out sanctions relief. Corruption Crackdown: Iraq’s Federal Integrity Commission says it uncovered nearly 2 billion dinars in Diyala electricity embezzlement, dismissing four senior officials. Religion: The new Chaldean Catholic patriarch, Paul III Nona, pledges to strengthen Iraq’s Christian community after his installation in Baghdad. Security: A US and British soldier died in a training accident at Erbil Airbase. Regional Impact: Bahrain bans citizens from traveling to Iraq and Iran, citing Gulf security tensions.

Armed Groups & State Authority: Iraq’s Coordination Framework backed efforts to restrict weapons to the state and cut PMF ties with political and social frameworks, as Baghdad pushes armed-faction integration. Regional Security & Lebanon: Trump said he persuaded Netanyahu to call off a major Beirut raid and that Hezbollah agreed to stop shooting, while Iran warned it would halt dialogue if strikes continue. Maritime Tensions: Multiple explosions hit a cargo vessel near Umm Qasr; UKMTO reported a projectile and Iraqi officials said a drone caused a second blast, while Iran’s IRGC claimed it targeted MSC Sariska V with a cruise missile. Suicide Crisis in Baghdad: Authorities reported four suicides in one day across Baghdad, citing psychological distress and wider economic and conflict pressures. UK/US Military Losses: A British soldier died in a training accident in northern Iraq, and separate reports said a US and a British soldier died during a training exercise at an Erbil air base. Economy & Cash Use: Exchange offices expanded as about 87% of Iraq’s money supply remains outside the banking system. World Cup Return: Iraq unveiled its final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup after a 40-year absence.

Maritime Security: A cargo ship about 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr was hit in the Arabian Gulf, with UKMTO reporting an unknown projectile and Iraqi officials later assessing a second blast linked to a drone; fire broke out but no casualties or environmental damage were reported, and investigations continue amid conflicting early claims. US-Iran Tensions: The US says it struck Iranian radar and drone sites near Gorukh and Qeshm after an MQ-1 drone was shot down; Iran’s IRGC retaliated, with Kuwait also activating air defenses as explosions and intercepts were reported. Shipping Resumes via Hormuz: Iraq’s Umm Qasr welcomed the first direct cargo vessel from China after navigation reopened, while China’s Iraqi crude imports reportedly fell sharply in May to 60,000 bpd as Hormuz disruption and regional prices hit demand. Armed Factions & State Control: Muqtada al-Sadr announced the integration/dissolution steps for Saraya al-Salam into Iraqi state authority, with a deadline tied to Eid al-Ghadir, as Baghdad pushes armed groups to join state institutions. Anti-Corruption: Iraq’s PM formed a new anti-corruption council, and security forces arrested the Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs on corruption allegations. Economy & Infrastructure: TMG secured an investment licence for an $18.8bn southwest Baghdad mega community, while Iraq’s 2024-2028 plan targets 84 trillion dinars in private-sector investment for infrastructure and services. Daily Life: Iraq forecasts summer highs above 40°C in at least 13 provinces, and Iraqi Airways suspended Beirut flights citing regional security conditions.

Armed Factions vs. Cabinet Formation: The US told Iraqi PM Ali Al-Zaidi that armed factions should not take part in the next government even if they hand over weapons, warning it could trigger a rupture with ministries and Western opposition. Anti-Corruption Push: Al-Zaidi’s new Supreme Sovereign Council for Integrity, Oversight, and Recovery of Public Funds is already being challenged as “illegal” by an MP, who says it overlaps with independent watchdog roles. US Envoy Overhaul: Trump appointed Tom Barrack as special presidential envoy for Syria and Iraq while keeping him as ambassador to Turkey, signaling tighter US oversight as Baghdad weighs weapons and state control. Media Freedom Under Pressure: Iraq’s CMC suspended political TV programs, fined outlets, and restricted media figures; a press freedom group calls the actions unconstitutional. CCHF Controls: Wasit ordered border closures to livestock unless veterinary requirements are met to curb Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, while Kurdistan’s health ministry says no cases have been recorded there so far. Local Safety Incidents: River police rescued two girls after bridge jumps in Baghdad and Mosul. Drug Crackdown: Authorities arrested four suspects in a Lyrica trafficking network, seizing more than 33,000 pills. Economy & Daily Life: Mechanics link rising vehicle repairs to complaints about poor gasoline quality; the dollar steadied in Baghdad and Erbil.

Food Security & Trade: A shipment of 44,000 tons of US rice for Iraq arrived at Jordan’s Aqaba Port, as regional shipping disruptions continue. Healthcare: Mosul’s Specialized Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Hospital has started receiving cancer patients, with 100 beds and advanced treatment equipment. Diplomacy: Iraqi PM Ali Al-Zaidi met US Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris, reaffirming cooperation under the Strategic Framework Agreement amid US pressure over armed factions. Anti-Corruption: Al-Zaidi ordered a Supreme Sovereign Council for Integrity, Oversight and Recovery of Public Funds to monitor ministries and refer cases to the judiciary. Media Freedom: Iraq’s CMC suspended political TV programs and sanctioned media figures, with press freedom groups calling the actions unconstitutional. Security & Drugs: Iraqi forces arrested four in an international Lyrica trafficking operation, seizing 33,000+ pills. US-Iraq Regional Role: Trump expanded Tom Barrack’s mandate as special envoy for Syria and Iraq. Energy Crunch: Iraq’s electricity shortfall hit about 39,000 megawatts, with power supply tied to Iranian gas. Oil & Sanctions: The US extended a license allowing talks over Russia-based Lukoil assets tied to West Qurna-2. Armed Factions: Kataib Hezbollah signaled it may “buy” weapons from other militias, while Baghdad pushes to confine arms to the state. Public Order: Massive protests erupted in Radwaniyah over an airport land scandal.

Armed Factions & State Control: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi met Muqtada al-Sadr’s representatives in Erbil to set up a committee to integrate Saraya al-Salam into state security and oversee the weapons handover, with Sadr’s one-week separation push aimed to finish by Eid al-Ghadir (June 4). Militia Pushback: Kataib Hezbollah vowed to keep its “militant action” despite US pressure to disarm, while also welcoming other armed groups’ steps to hand weapons to the state. Foreign Pressure & Sovereignty: Kataib Hezbollah criticized US and British envoys, urging Iraqi lawmakers to block meddling in domestic affairs. Budget Strain: Iraq’s 2026 budget faces a squeeze as oil exports fell sharply after Strait of Hormuz disruptions, forcing Baghdad to seek alternative routes. Regional Fallout: Iraq condemned rocket and drone attacks on Kuwait and urged restraint and dialogue. Water Security: Iraq is preparing for a potential water surge from Syria, with teams monitoring Euphrates flows and dam operations. Diplomacy: US State Department said Tom Barrack’s Syria envoy role ends, but he will keep overseeing key Iraq and Syria files. Religion & Community: The new Chaldean Catholic patriarch, Paulis III Nona, assumed duties in Baghdad. Sports: Iraq beat Andorra 1-0 in a World Cup warm-up ahead of the June 11 tournament.