AGP Executive Report

Armed Groups & State Control: Iraq’s Joint Operations Command says it has formed a committee to sever Popular Mobilization Forces ties and consolidate weapons under state authority, with PM Ali al-Zaidi pushing militia integration into state institutions. PMF/Pro-Iran Militias: The move follows Zaidi hosting Iranian-backed factions Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib Imam Ali, while other groups still resist disarmament. Security Incident: The U.S. identified Sergeant Devin Seibel, 26, from Robinson, Texas, killed in a training-related incident at Erbil Air Base on May 31, alongside a British soldier. Justice in Terror Cases: A Yazidi woman in Melbourne alleges she was enslaved and repeatedly raped by an IS-linked family in Syria, seeking bail. Culture in Kurdistan: Erbil opened its first large Kurdish book exhibition, running seven days with more than 100 publishers. Sports (Iraq in focus): Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expects Lamine Yamal to be fit for Spain’s World Cup opener, while Iraq is set to face Spain in a warm-up.

Iraq–Kurdistan Culture: Iraq’s Kurdistan region hosted the final of the 25th “Chinese Bridge” competition at Salahaddin University in Erbil, with Bahroz Kanabi Ismael winning and earning a spot in the global finals in China—another sign of growing Chinese-language interest in Iraq. World Cup Build-Up: AFC nations booked places for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Iraq returning after 40 years; Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said Lamine Yamal is expected to be fit for Spain’s June 15 opener after missing the warmup vs Iraq. Security & Sovereignty: A pro-Iran Iraqi faction, Saraya Awliya al-Dam, said it will not disarm unless Baghdad guarantees full Iraqi sovereignty and ends foreign military presence. State Control of Arms: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s push to bring weapons under state control continues to draw resistance from militia groups. Business & Telecom: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission suspended Korek Telecom’s operations after ending its contract; the company’s CEO called the move unlawful and vowed legal action. Regional Tensions: Kuwait declared Iranian diplomats persona non grata after missile and drone attacks tied to the wider US-Iran escalation. Military Tragedy: A US Army soldier died in a training accident in Iraq’s Erbil area, with a British soldier also killed, and the incident is under investigation.

PMF vs ISIS: Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces said it killed a suspected ISIS logistics leader and two others in Nineveh’s Baaj desert area, underscoring the push to eliminate remnants after ISIS lost territory in 2017. Militias to state control: Two Iran-aligned Iraqi armed groups announced steps to hand weapons to authorities and move out of PMF structures, as the government and US envoy Tom Barrack back Iraq’s drive for state monopoly over arms. US-Iran Gulf escalation: Hostilities flared again with Iranian missile/drone attacks hitting Kuwait and Bahrain and US “self-defense” strikes near Qeshm Island; Kuwait International Airport was closed after damage and injuries. Energy and economy pressure: Oil prices jumped on renewed Iran-US tensions, while the EBRD warned Iraq’s growth will contract this year amid the war’s energy shock. Power supply boost: Iraq brought in about 1,200MW via Turkey and the Kurdistan Region to ease summer electricity shortages in Nineveh. World Cup spotlight: Iraq’s return to the 2026 World Cup after 40 years is being framed around coach Graham Arnold and Group I clashes with France, Norway and Senegal. Environment: A major fish die-off on the Tigris in Wasit is blamed on upstream contamination and long-standing water governance failures.

Arms Under State Control: Two pro-Iran Iraqi armed groups, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib al-Imam Ali, announced committees to disengage from the PMF and restrict weapons to state control, following Coordination Framework backing and after Muqtada al-Sadr ordered Saraya al-Salam to integrate. Nuclear Safety Watch: The IAEA chief said the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant repairs could take “weeks” after a drone attack last month, with the UAE blaming militants in Iraq; no radioactive release was reported. Regional Travel Curbs: Bahrain banned citizens from traveling to Iran and Iraq until further notice, citing security risks and a crackdown tied to alleged IRGC-linked influence. Maritime Tensions: A MSC containership, Sariska V, was hit by two projectiles off Umm Qasr; MSC says crew were safe and calls it unjustified, while the IRGC claims responsibility. Oil Shock for Iraq: Iraq’s crude exports collapsed in May, down over 97% year-on-year, blamed on Strait of Hormuz disruptions and marine traffic. Training Tragedy: An American and a British soldier died in a training accident at Erbil Air Base, with investigations underway.

Iran-U.S. Talks and Regional Tensions: US President Donald Trump said Iran talks are continuing “at a rapid pace” and a deal could come “over the next week,” despite reports that Tehran paused indirect negotiations tied to Israel’s Lebanon offensive. Maritime Security in Iraq’s Waters: Iran’s IRGC claimed it hit the MSC Sariska V with a cruise missile after earlier attacks in the Gulf; MSC says the container ship was struck near Umm Qasr and all crew were safe, while UKMTO reported explosions and a fire. Armed Groups vs State Authority: Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework backed a plan to restrict weapons to the state and cut PMF ties with political and social frameworks, aligning with the government’s sovereignty push. Military Training Deaths: A US soldier and a British servicemember died in a training accident at Erbil Air Base; both militaries said investigations are underway. World Cup Focus (Iraq): Iraq’s Group I rivals France, Senegal and Norway are set for the tournament, with Senegal finalising a 26-man squad and Iraq’s return after 40 years drawing attention.

Lebanon Ceasefire Push: US President Trump says he persuaded Netanyahu to call off a major Beirut raid and that Hezbollah agreed to stop shooting, while Iran warns dialogue will end if strikes on Lebanon continue. Iran–US Talks in Flux: Trump also claims Iran talks are moving “at a rapid pace,” even as reports say Tehran halted message exchanges via mediators over the Lebanon offensive. Maritime Tensions Near Iraq: Iraqi officials say two explosions hit a cargo vessel about 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr—first from an unknown projectile, then a drone attack—prompting investigations and caution for ships. Kurdistan Politics: PUK and NGM say they will negotiate government formation “as one package” in talks with the KDP amid a stalled process. Iraq–World Cup Buzz: Iraq’s group-stage schedule is set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Iraq listed in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway. Trade Diplomacy: Armenia’s economy officials met ambassadors from the UAE, Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar to discuss expanding exports and business ties. Security Reminder: UK MoD confirms a British Army service member died in a training accident in northern Iraq.

Eid al-Ghadir in Najaf: The Holy Alawi Shrine kicked off the 15th Eid al-Ghadir Week with 27 countries taking part and the Ghadir banner raised at nearly 150 sites across and beyond Iraq. Security & governance: Ahead of the pilgrimage, Iraq’s interior leadership held an expanded security meeting in Najaf to boost readiness while keeping the event “civilized and humanitarian.” Armed groups pressure: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is pushing harder against weapons outside state control, with Washington warning that armed factions should not enter Iraq’s next government even after disarmament. Power crunch warning: Iraq may face summer electricity shortages as Iran’s gas output reportedly fell by about a third after war damage. Prison reform: Iraq’s justice ministry plans to open university education centers inside Abu Ghraib to help inmates reintegrate. Markets: The ISX will pause trading for Eid al-Ghadir, resuming June 7. Health: Wasit ordered border closures to livestock to curb CCHF spread.

US-Iraq Diplomacy: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi met US Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris, reaffirming cooperation under the Strategic Framework Agreement as Washington presses for tighter control of weapons by the state. Envoy Update: Donald Trump named US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack as Special Presidential Envoy to Iraq and Syria, expanding his role while keeping him in Ankara. Kurdistan Security: Shafaq News reports Iranian missiles hit the Komala Kurdish opposition base near Erbil, with the group claiming dozens of strikes since the regional conflict began. Kurdish Politics: KDP urged unity and coordination with the PUK on its 51st anniversary, stressing protection of Kurdistan’s constitutional status. Health & Services: Mosul’s Specialized Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Hospital has started receiving cancer patients, with 100 beds and advanced treatment equipment. Anti-Corruption & Courts: Karbala officials allege corruption and waste in projects and land allocations; in Dhi Qar, a prison employee at Al-Hout Prison received 15 years for aiding terrorist inmates. Press Freedom: Iraq’s media watchdog says the CMC suspended programs, fined outlets, and restricted media figures, calling the actions unconstitutional. Drug Crackdown: Baghdad dismantled an international Lyrica trafficking network, seizing 33,000 pills and arresting four suspects.

State Control of Weapons: Muqtada al-Sadr’s committee has started implementing the handover of Saraya al-Salam to Iraqi state security, aiming to separate the group’s military wing and move its weapons under government authority. Anti-Corruption Push: Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi ordered a new integrity body to audit ministries and send findings straight to the judiciary, with broad powers over misuse of public funds. Anbar Flood Alert: Anbar declared maximum alert in Qaim, Rawa, and Anah as Euphrates levels rise from Syria’s Tabqa Dam, with emergency teams reinforcing riverbanks. Iran-Iraq Power Fallout: Iran says it has lost nearly a third of natural gas capacity after damage to key facilities, raising concerns for Iraq’s electricity supply. Regional Maritime Tensions: Iran claims full authority over the Strait of Hormuz and requires IRGC authorization for ships, as the U.S. continues enforcing its blockade. Security Crackdown: Basra forces dismantled four drug networks and arrested 14 suspects. Eid Without Playgrounds: Baghdad families in Al-Kifah and Al-Fadhl say Eid al-Adha celebrations have no parks or safe playgrounds. Football Money Dispute: Iraq’s Football Association demands answers from former IFA chief Adnan Darjal over a $500,000 World Cup bonus and its handling.

US-Iran Tensions at Sea: An IRGC commander in Erbil accused President Trump of keeping a naval blockade on Iranian ports despite claims it would be lifted, warning diplomacy is being “betrayed” while the Strait of Hormuz remains a key pressure point. Iraq-Kuwait Security: Iraq condemned rocket and drone attacks on Kuwait, urging restraint and dialogue to stop the violence spreading, while Kuwait blamed Iran and the US cited a ceasefire violation. State Control of Weapons: Muqtada al-Sadr’s move to dismantle Saraya al-Salam and place key units under the armed forces commander-in-chief is boosting Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s push to bring weapons under state control, with other armed factions watching closely. Water Crisis Planning: Iraq is preparing for a possible water surge from Syria, with teams monitoring river flows and adjusting dam and reservoir operations as flooding risk grows. Basrah Oil Slide: Basrah crude fell sharply over the week, with Basrah Heavy down about 57% and Basrah Medium down about 57%, reflecting global declines. Local Life: More Iraqi families are returning to homemade foods like yogurt, cheese, juices, and tomato paste as concerns rise over processed additives.

Iraq Appoints Oil Minister: Iraq has named industry veteran Bassim Khudair as its new oil minister, as the country continues to juggle energy policy and regional pressures. US-Iran Talks and Strait of Hormuz: With a possible 60-day ceasefire extension on the table, President Trump says conditions include no Iranian nuclear weapon and immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while analysts warn the Strait’s reopening and shipping access remain central to any deal. Kuwait Under Missile Threat: Iraq condemned missile and drone attacks on Kuwait amid the wider Iran-related tensions, underscoring how quickly Gulf security risks spill across borders. Christian Leadership in Baghdad: The Chaldean Catholic Church installed its new patriarch, Polis III Nona, in Baghdad, as Iraq’s Christian community continues to face long-term demographic and security challenges. World Cup Build-Up (Iraq in Group Play): France coach Didier Deschamps says his side must avoid overconfidence in a World Cup group that includes Iraq, as preparations intensify ahead of the June 11 tournament kickoff. Migrant Deaths Linked to Iraq Strikes: Bangladesh’s foreign ministry received the body of Mohammad Shrabon, killed in an Iraq missile strike, and handed support to his family.

US-Iran Talks: U.S. and Iranian negotiators reached a tentative deal to extend the ceasefire by 60 days and restart nuclear talks, though Trump approval is still pending. Kuwait Under Fire: Kuwait reported missile and drone attacks, with the U.S. calling it an “egregious ceasefire violation” and Iraq condemning the strikes while urging restraint. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: The draft terms reportedly bar Iran from imposing tolls and require mine removal within 30 days, as nearly 2,000 ships reportedly wait to exit the Gulf amid disruption fears. Iraq Security: A senior Iraqi paramilitary commander was killed in a bomb attack in Maysan, and Iraq also condemned the regional escalation tied to the Kuwait strikes. Regional Flooding: Rising Euphrates waters triggered flooding alerts and emergency measures across northern and eastern Syria after increased flows from Turkey and heavy rainfall. Sports: AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers groups were announced, with Iraq placed in Group F for 2027 qualifiers.

Iraq’s Eid preparations: Iraq’s veterinary authorities stepped up slaughterhouse inspections as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) spread to new provinces, including Kirkuk, with officials urging safer handling of livestock ahead of Eid Al-Adha. Anti-fraud crackdown: Iraq’s Integrity Commission said it stopped a scheme to seize nearly 1.5 trillion dinars from state banks, arresting suspects tied to forged checks and documents. Militias under state control: Muqtada Al-Sadr moved his Saraya Al-Salam under Iraqi state authority, prompting the prime minister to urge armed factions to follow suit. Regional pressure on Iran talks: US and Iranian negotiators reached a tentative framework to extend the ceasefire by 60 days and begin nuclear talks, but Iran has not confirmed and Trump approval is still pending. Gulf security flare-ups: Kuwait reported missile and drone threats amid the shaky ceasefire, while US officials accused Iran of violations. Water crisis risk: Syria reported Euphrates flooding after Turkey released water from the Ataturk Dam, affecting dozens of water stations downstream.

State Arms Integration: Moqtada al-Sadr ordered Saraya al-Salam to fully separate from his National Shiite Movement and integrate into Iraq’s state forces within one week, with handover due by Eid al-Ghadir (June 4), as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi urged all armed factions to operate under state authority. Regional Security Shock: Kuwait reported a missile and drone attack as the Iran–US ceasefire stayed fragile; the incident followed US strikes near the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s retaliation, with Kuwait’s air defenses intercepting hostile threats. Energy & Trade Pressure: Iraq is set to serve as a hub for the Worldlink Gulf-to-Europe transit cable project, routing data through Iraqi territory in a deal worth over $700m. Counterterror Returns: Australia charged an IS-linked woman after her return from Syria, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of women and children repatriated from camps near Syria–Turkey–Iraq frontiers. Tech/Defense Industry: Iraq’s cable role and regional tensions come alongside reports of new European production and support partnerships for the Bushmaster armored vehicle.

Armed Groups Under State Control: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi urged all armed factions to operate under the umbrella of the state, backing Muqtada al-Sadr’s move to integrate Saraya al-Salam into official forces. Counter-ISIS Push: Iraqi forces in Kirkuk killed at least four IS militants and destroyed hideouts used for shelter and logistics. Regional Tensions, Hormuz Pressure: The White House dismissed an Iranian media “draft MoU” as fabricated, while Trump warned Oman against any joint control plan for the Strait of Hormuz. Security and Politics Converge: Sadr’s decision hands fighters to the commander-in-chief, as Iraq faces mounting pressure to dismantle paramilitary structures and keep weapons with state institutions.

Gaza Escalation: Israel says it killed Mohammed Odeh, newly appointed head of Hamas’ military-wing intelligence headquarters, in a strike in northern Gaza, naming other Hamas figures it claims were eliminated. Eid al-Adha in Iraq: Eid prayers and shrine visits drew large crowds in Baghdad and Babil, with families gathering for traditional breakfasts and greetings in a generally calm atmosphere. Sadr vs. UK: Muqtada al-Sadr demanded an official British apology over remarks attributed to the UK ambassador about Iraq’s post-2003 power transfer, accusing London of hosting Baath-era figures. Rafidain Bank Backlash: “Controversial reassignments” and disciplinary actions at Rafidain Bank are sparking internal anger over claims of favoritism and sidelining of experienced staff. Security & Economy: Baghdad launched an Eid crackdown on illegal livestock slaughter amid CCHF concerns; INSS in Basra dismantled a crude oil smuggling pipeline; and Iraq’s communications minister warned of mid-July action against illegal internet distribution networks.