AGP Executive Report

US-Iran Ceasefire Talks: Mediators say they’re edging toward extending the US ceasefire with Iran by 60 days, with a framework that could gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz and shift discussions toward Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile. Diplomacy vs. Threats: Iran’s foreign ministry says Tehran is “waiting to see” over the next few days, while CBS reports US planning for possible new strikes within days—showing how close talks and escalation still sit. Regional Mediation Push: Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir is meeting Iranian leaders as Qatar and Gulf states try to keep the fragile track alive. Iraq Plastic Crackdown: Iraq says it imports about $3B in plastic yearly and is moving ahead with restrictions on plastic bags in shops and bakeries, aiming to cut single-use waste. Climate & Heritage: Iraq is restoring the Ziggurat of Ur, but climate erosion risks are now part of the story.

Iraq’s Plastic Crackdown: Iraq’s new government is moving fast on pollution—ending free single-use plastic bag distribution within six months, banning their use in bakeries, and stopping plastic bag imports, with fees on bag factories to fund recycling and awareness. KRG-Federal Talks: Kurdistan’s PM Masrour Barzani is set to visit Baghdad next week for government-to-government discussions, including electricity reform support via the KRG’s 24-hour Runaki program. Regional Cyber Risk: A new mapping of Middle East cyber activity finds more than 1,350 attacker-controlled command-and-control servers across 98 providers in 14 countries, with telecom and hosting networks increasingly becoming the backbone of attacks. Iran War Diplomacy vs. Pressure: U.S. and partners are still weighing possible new strikes while indirect talks continue; Rubio also rejects Iran’s Strait of Hormuz “tolling” plan and says a “Plan B” is needed. Lebanon Food Security Hit: Israeli attacks are again damaging southern Lebanon’s farms—bananas, citrus, olives and small-scale plots—displacing most farmers and threatening food stability.

Iraq’s Plastic Crackdown: Iraq is producing about 16,000 tons of plastic waste every day, and the government is now moving to cut the biggest source: single-use plastic bags. The Council of Ministers approved a plan to end free bag distribution within six months, ban their use in bakeries, stop plastic bag imports, and add fees on factories making nylon bags—funding recycling and awareness while pushing a shift toward paper and biodegradable alternatives. Kurdistan–Baghdad Talks: PM Masrour Barzani is set to visit Baghdad next week for government-to-government discussions with the new federal cabinet, including support for Kurdistan’s 24-hour Runaki electricity program. Regional Pressure Signals: Turkey’s Erdogan ordered the closure of Istanbul Bilgi University amid a criminal probe into its owners, underscoring how political and legal pressure is tightening across the region.

Iran War Fallout: A new U.S. congressional report says America lost or damaged as many as 42 aircraft in “Operation Epic Fury” over 40 days, including F-15E, F-35A, A-10, tankers, special-ops aircraft, and 24 MQ-9 Reapers, while Israel’s losses were largely limited to slow-moving drones—a stark imbalance that keeps the debate over air-power costs and readiness burning. Hormuz Pressure: Iran is also moving from disruption to control, with a new Strait of Hormuz transit permit/toll regime under its Persian Gulf Strait Authority. Iraq Security Tensions: The UAE is urging Iraq to stop “hostile acts” after it says drones targeting UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant were launched from Iraqi territory, as Baghdad investigates and neighbors demand reassurance. Local Governance & Jobs: In Iraq’s sports spotlight, Omani coach Rasheed Jaber helped Al Quwa Al Jawiya win the Iraq Stars League title. Veterans Benefits: The U.S. House passed a bipartisan veterans expansion bill boosting support for catastrophically injured veterans and surviving spouses.

Barakah Nuclear Alarm: The UAE urged Iraq to stop “hostile acts” after drones hit the Barakah nuclear plant, with the IAEA warning a direct hit could release dangerous radioactivity even as radiation stayed stable; Iraq Accountability: Iraq says it’s investigating and a special security committee met under PM Ali Al Zaidi, but neighbors want proof Baghdad can prevent its territory being used; Iran-US Deal Pressure: Trump says Iran talks are “right on the borderline” and threatens “nasty” action if demands aren’t met, while Iran says it’s reviewing a new US proposal and warns any renewed strikes could expand beyond the region; Hormuz Fallout: With Strait of Hormuz disruption driving major economic losses, the crisis is pushing Gulf states to diversify routes and energy security; Regional Security Drift: ISIS escalated rhetoric in Syria, while reports also claim major US aircraft losses and ongoing drone/tanker confrontations in the Gulf.

US-Iran Brinkmanship: President Trump says talks are “right on the borderline” and warns the US will act “very quickly” if Iran doesn’t deliver “100% good answers,” while Iran insists it’s reviewing a new US proposal and warns any renewed aggression could spread beyond the region. Naval Pressure & Gulf Tensions: Trump also escalated naval measures, calling it a “Steel Wall” and threatening more interceptions of Iranian oil shipments as Iran accuses the US of violating the ceasefire. Iraq’s Cross-Border Fallout: Iraq faces fresh heat after the UAE said drones targeting the Barakah nuclear plant were launched from Iraqi territory, while Iraq renews condemnation of attacks that it says misuse its airspace. Local Environment & Cost of Living: Iraq approved tougher plastic-bag rules for bakeries and Erbil opened an environmental art exhibition; meanwhile, soaring wedding costs are pushing young Iraqis away from marriage. Markets Watch: US stocks rose as oil prices and yields eased on optimism around Middle East talks.

Nuclear Safety Flashpoint: The UAE says drones that hit the Barakah nuclear plant were launched from Iraq, while the IAEA warns attacks on operating reactors could create “grave concerns” for safety. Iran–US Brinkmanship: Trump again says the “clock is ticking” as JD Vance claims talks are making “good progress,” but warns the US is “locked and loaded” if no deal comes. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Iran’s IRGC Navy says 26 commercial vessels transited the Strait under permit coordination, even as Hormuz traffic and oil prices remain highly sensitive to every new threat. Iraq’s Environment at Home: Iraq’s cabinet approved new rules to cut plastic bags in bakeries and restrict free distribution, while a dust storm drove 837 suffocation cases to hospitals. Local Security & Aid: US officials urged continued Peshmerga funding despite proposed 2027 cuts, keeping Iraq’s internal security funding debate in focus.

Iran-US brinkmanship: JD Vance says “good progress” in talks with Iran, but warns the US is “locked and loaded” to restart strikes if there’s no deal—after Trump said he was about an hour from resuming action. Iraq as a launchpad: The UAE claims drones targeting its Barakah nuclear plant came from Iraqi territory, while Kuwait and Saudi Arabia condemned attacks launched from Iraq—raising fresh pressure on Baghdad to rein in weapons outside state control. Nuclear safety alarm: The UN nuclear watchdog flagged “grave concerns” about attacks on operating nuclear sites, after a generator was hit but no radioactive release reported. Dust storm health toll: Iraq recorded 837 suffocation cases from a widespread dust storm, with hospitals on full alert and no deaths reported. Food trade hit: Hormuz disruption is still reshaping rice flows—Thailand says shipments to Iraq have fallen, with the second-half outlook uncertain. Local governance: Iraq’s new government program doubles down on monopolizing weapons under the state.

Iran–US Brinkmanship: Trump said he was “an hour away” from striking Iran, then paused as Rubio and Guterres pushed UN efforts over Hormuz mines and tolls. Hormuz Shockwaves: Strait disruption is already driving major economic losses and rerouting trade; Gulf states are accelerating new corridors and hubs. Environmental Fallout: Videos and satellite images show an Iran war oil spill hitting Shidvar Island, a protected wildlife breeding ground, with oily rain reported in Tehran. Iraq’s Security Reset: Iraq’s new government pledges a state monopoly on weapons, aiming to end armed groups outside legal control as attacks linked to the Iran war continue. Regional Tensions: Kuwait condemned drones launched from Iraqi airspace toward Saudi Arabia; Gulf states echoed escalation warnings. Nuclear Worry: A drone hit a generator outside UAE’s Barakah plant, adding to fears of wider escalation. Local Note: Oman’s Gulf Cup draw puts it in a “Group of Death” with Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait.

Iraq’s Security Reset: Iraq’s new government is pledging a full state monopoly on weapons, aiming to end armed groups outside the legal framework as regional attacks tied to the Iran war continue. Hormuz Pressure Game: Iran is reframing its Strait of Hormuz “tolls” as an insurance scheme, while the wider standoff keeps oil and shipping jittery. Gulf Escalation Watch: Kuwait condemned a drone attack from Iraqi airspace that hit Saudi Arabia, with multiple Gulf states backing Riyadh and warning of further action. Diplomacy vs. Threats: Trump says he called off an imminent Iran strike after requests from Gulf allies, even as Iran warns the “clock is ticking.” Local Iraq Fallout: Baghdad’s Tigris is facing 23 pollution hotspots, with untreated sewage, industrial waste, and medical runoff threatening public health. Aid and Development: UNHCR marks 10 years with Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, supporting displaced people across northern Iraq and beyond.

Gulf Escalation Signals: A drone strike sparked a fire near the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant generator, while Saudi says it intercepted three drones entering from Iraq—raising fears the fragile Iran-US ceasefire could fray fast. Hormuz Pressure on Iraq: With Hormuz shipments disrupted, Iraq’s crude exports reportedly fell to about 10 million barrels in April, pushing Baghdad to lean harder on overland routes like the Kirkuk–Ceyhan pipeline. Iraq’s Domestic Stress Points: Baghdad’s Tigris is facing 23 pollution hotspots, with untreated sewage, industrial waste, and medical runoff flagged as a public health threat. Local Development Push: Iraq and UNDP signed a partnership to back investment and infrastructure, including water resilience and agricultural value chains. Regional Security Claims: Reports also say Israel built two covert bases in Iraq’s desert to support Iran-strike operations. Agriculture Update: Diyala wheat harvesting has started, with marketed production expected to top 210,000 tons.

Iraq’s New Government: Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet program is now on the record, with parliament backing a 14-pillar plan that promises to pull weapons under exclusive state control—while the big unresolved question is how that will work with powerful armed factions like the PMF. Regional Water Security: Iraq’s new water minister says Baghdad will push for upstream releases by building direct ties with Turkey and Iran, aiming to secure quotas after long-running disputes over dam flows. Hormuz Shock Hits Iraq’s Exports: With the Strait of Hormuz disrupted by the wider Iran conflict, Iraq’s oil exports reportedly fell to about 10 million barrels in April, pushing Baghdad to rely more on overland routes like the Kirkuk–Ceyhan pipeline. Security and Human Cost: The week also keeps spotlighting instability across the region, from terror-linked arrests to reports of attacks and abductions, underscoring how quickly crises spill across borders.

US-Iran Tensions, Gulf Energy Shift: Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian says Washington and Israel are using “divisive projects” to turn Muslim countries against each other, while the war’s pressure is pushing Gulf shipping away from the Strait of Hormuz and toward pipelines and rail—yet fuel and bunker-supply worries are already spreading. Iraq’s Water Security: Iraq’s new water minister says Baghdad will build direct ties with upstream Turkey and Iran to secure releases. Iraq’s New Government: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has pledged a “comprehensive” reform plan and a crackdown on corruption, as oil exports via Hormuz reportedly fell sharply in April. Security & Courts: A US appeals court vacated a 101-month ISIS-linked sentence and ordered resentencing. Humanitarian Reality: In Gaza, rubble is being recycled into Lego-like bricks as rebuilding materials run out. Regional Violence: Nigeria reports terrorists abducting 42 schoolchildren in Borno.

Iraq’s New PM Pushes Reform: Ali al-Zaidi officially took office and immediately promised a “comprehensive” reform drive—aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil, boosting industry, agriculture, tourism and investment, and cracking down on corruption—after parliament approved 14 of 23 minister posts. Security Signals From Baghdad: Explosions in the capital were later linked to artillery salutes marking his assumption of office, while Iraq’s leadership also sought to reassure partners as the region stays tense. Oil Pressure From the Strait of Hormuz: Iraq’s oil exports through Hormuz reportedly plunged to about 10 million barrels in April amid the wider war, underscoring how fast revenues can swing. Diplomacy and Climate/Water Ties: King Charles praised Iraq’s security gains and backed deeper UK cooperation, including on climate change and water security. Regional Risk Watch: A US warning also surfaced that the Pentagon’s rush to counter drones could raise safety risks—another reminder that the conflict’s ripple effects reach far beyond battlefields.

Iraqi Power Shift: Ali al-Zaidi officially took office as Iraq’s new prime minister, with lawmakers approving 14 of 23 ministers and the government promising sweeping economic reform and a serious anti-corruption push. Security Reality Check: Baghdad marked the swearing-in with artillery salutes, while the wider region stays tense as Iran-U.S. pressure and militia activity continue to shape daily risk. Oil Shock: Iraq’s oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz plunged to about 10 million barrels in April, down from roughly 93 million the month before, underscoring how war around Hormuz can hit Iraq’s budget fast. Local Environment Stress: In Kirkuk, residents reported an oil slick spreading into an irrigation canal, threatening crops and livestock and calling for urgent testing and cleanup. Regional Diplomacy: Iran’s president told al-Zaidi Tehran is ready to show its nuclear program is peaceful and offered de-escalation talks, while insisting nuclear issues stay out of war-ending discussions.

Oil Spill Fallout in Kirkuk: Oil slicks have spread into Kirkuk’s main irrigation canal in Al-Sada Al-Mashayekh village, with residents reporting petroleum smells, crop damage fears, and livestock refusing to drink—pushing calls for urgent cleanup and soil/water testing. Iraq’s New Government Takes Shape: Parliament has approved PM Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet confidence vote, naming 14 of 23 ministers so far, while key posts like defense and interior remain pending. Militias vs. the State: The U.S. says it arrested an Iraqi commander tied to Iran-backed Kata’ib Hezbollah, charging him over plots targeting Jewish sites in Europe and the U.S.—a backdrop to al-Zaidi’s promise to rein in militias. Regional Security Shake-Up: The U.S. Army plans to merge the 7th Infantry Division and 1st Multi-Domain Task Force into Multi-Domain Command-Pacific, signaling a tighter Indo-Pacific posture. Energy Pressure Point: With Strait of Hormuz tensions still driving global risk, the week’s coverage keeps circling fuel-price and supply worries.