AGP Executive Report

Iraq Air Safety: Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority ordered a precautionary 72-hour shutdown of national airspace, grounding and rerouting commercial flights as regional military tensions escalate. Regional Security & Environment: Iraq-based Kataib Hezbollah warned it would target US bases and interests across the region if the US directly joins the Iran-Israel conflict—raising fears of wider disruption that can spill into air, water, and transport systems. Energy & Climate Risk: Iraq’s new oil minister says Iraq will cut associated gas flaring and expand production capacity, aiming to improve infrastructure and investment terms—an environmental plus if implemented. Water & Disaster Watch: Syria’s Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor floods are being linked to climate change and upstream dam decisions, with renewed questions about who controls Euphrates releases and how downstream communities cope. Biodiversity & Heritage: A Duhok-focused report highlights the province’s rivers and ecosystems alongside the heavy burden of displacement—spotlighting how instability threatens nature and cultural sites. World Cup, Travel, and Pressure: Iraq’s football federation says its top scorer was detained at Chicago O’Hare for seven hours, while visa disputes also affect Iran’s team—showing how conflict and policy can disrupt people and logistics.

Oil & Gas Policy: Iraq’s new oil minister Bassim Mohammed Khudair says Baghdad will offer better terms for foreign investors and push for full oil and gas production capacity, ending associated gas flaring and using it for power—along with infrastructure for pipelines and exports, and even expanding oil activity beyond traditional southern zones. Energy Security Pressure: Iraq warns of a fiscal “disaster” if Iran war disruptions keep oil exports from resuming; production has reportedly fallen sharply since the Strait of Hormuz closure, with only limited northern routing. Climate & Water Risk: Raqqa floods have reignited debate over Euphrates management, with activists arguing the disaster can’t be blamed on weather alone and pointing to decisions around dam spillway releases. Transport & Climate Resilience: The World Bank backs a $900m Iraq road upgrade plan aimed at safer, more reliable corridors and improving resistance to climate impacts. Regional Environment Tech: Kazakhstan’s cloud-seeding program is raising cross-border concerns as neighbors worry about geopolitical and environmental spillover.

Heat & Resilience: Norway’s World Cup camp in Greensboro was hit by extreme heat near 40°C, forcing hydration breaks and cooling routines—another reminder that climate stress is reshaping outdoor schedules. Iraq’s Power Crunch: A Baghdad family says solar is becoming a practical answer to blackouts and fuel supply shocks, as Iraq’s grid can’t reliably keep homes powered. Urban Heat Risk: An Oxford study flags Al Basrah as the world’s most heat-vulnerable city, with other high-risk cities across developing countries—heat is now a public health and planning issue. Safety & Fire Prevention: Iraq’s civil defense says it shut about 11,000 buildings over safety violations, including missing fire systems and risky construction materials. Energy Security & Shipping: Iraq’s National Security Advisor denies any Strait of Hormuz transit fees, while regional tensions keep maritime routes volatile. Sustainability in Business: Zain highlights centralized ESG data management and climate-data verification in its 2025 sustainability report.

Heat & Power Crunch: A new Oxford study flags Iraq’s Al Basrah among the world’s most heat-vulnerable cities, underscoring how rising temperatures plus limited coping capacity are worsening risk for residents. Solar Push: With blackouts and fuel disruptions biting hard, Baghdad families are increasingly turning to home solar panels to cut generator dependence and protect daily life during summer outages. Safety & Fire Risk: Iraq’s civil defense says it has closed about 11,000 buildings over the past year for safety violations, including missing fire systems and risky construction practices—an issue that spikes during extreme heat. Energy Security at Sea: Iraq’s National Security Advisor denies reports of transit fees for Iraqi ships through the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran has exempted Iraq—while the region’s shipping environment stays volatile. Roads for Growth: The World Bank approved a $900m project to improve Iraq’s road infrastructure, aiming to boost transport safety and reliability amid climate-related deterioration.

Roads & Climate Resilience: The World Bank approved a $900 million package to upgrade Iraq and the Kurdistan Region’s road network, aiming to improve safety and reliability on key corridors linking Baghdad with Turkey (E1) and Syria/Jordan (E2), with the bank citing deterioration driven by climate pressures and road-safety hazards. Desertification Fight: Iraq is prioritizing green belts in national strategy to combat desertification, focusing on restoring vegetation and protecting ecosystems under worsening dry conditions. Nuclear Safety in the Region: Qatar reiterated its condemnation of an attack on the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant at an IAEA emergency session, warning that strikes on operational nuclear facilities pose grave risks for the whole region. Shipping & Pollution Risks: Reporting highlights how conflict around the Strait of Hormuz is pushing more tankers into “dark” shipping practices by switching off tracking systems—raising safety and environmental risks for busy sea lanes. Local Environment Governance: Kurdistan’s President reaffirmed conservation efforts on World Environment Day, framing environmental protection as a national responsibility.

World Environment Day in Kurdistan: Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani marked World Environment Day by reaffirming the KRG’s push to protect natural resources, preserve underground water, and expand clean-water efforts, calling climate action a shared national responsibility with Baghdad and international partners. Roads, climate pressure, and safety: The World Bank approved a $900 million package to upgrade Iraq and the Kurdistan Region’s road network, citing that roads carry 90% of transport but are vulnerable to deterioration, climate pressures, and road-safety risks; the plan targets key corridors linking Baghdad to Turkey via Expressway 1 and to Syria/Jordan via Expressway 2, with Kurdistan’s share set at $80 million. Heat risk spotlight: An Oxford study flagged extreme-heat vulnerability across cities, naming Iraq’s Al Basrah as the top heat-risk city globally, underscoring how climate stress is already shaping urban risk in Iraq. Pilgrimage and local services: Hundreds of pilgrims walked to Imam Ali’s shrine in Najaf for Eid al-Ghadeer, with shrine and local authorities coordinating arrangements for a large influx of visitors.

Oil & Water Security: Iranian crude and condensate exports reportedly plunged to a six-year low in May, with analysts linking the drop to U.S. naval pressure and Strait of Hormuz disruption—raising knock-on risks for regional energy flows that also affect Iraq’s wider environment and water-energy stability. Heat Risk in the Region: An Oxford study flags extreme-heat vulnerability across South Asia and lists Iraq’s Al Basrah among the most at-risk cities, underscoring how climate stress is already reshaping daily life and urban health. Iraq’s Environment Governance: Iraq’s parliament is moving toward completing cabinet formation, including an environment ministry role, while political delays could shape how quickly climate and pollution priorities get funded and implemented. Water & Nature Research: New research traces the Euphrates’ ancient history using oil-and-gas exploration data, adding fresh context to a river that remains central to Iraq’s ecosystems and flood risks. Energy Transition on the Ground: A UNOPS report highlights solar power helping conflict-affected communities across the region, including Iraq, keep essential services running despite instability. Local Infrastructure: Iraq’s Development Road project is set to enter implementation after approvals, aiming to connect Basra to Turkey via rail/road and energy pipelines—an economic shift that will also influence transport emissions and land use. Desertification & Mobility: IOM argues that climate-driven desertification and migration should be treated as part of adaptation planning, not just a crisis outcome. Travel & Safety Signals: U.S. advisories keep Iran and Iraq under “Do Not Travel,” reflecting ongoing regional instability that can disrupt environmental monitoring and disaster response.

Water & Climate Impact: A new study using oil-and-gas exploration data traces the Euphrates’ ancient origins, while recent flooding has again put the river’s risks in the spotlight for Turkey and Syria—an Iraq-relevant reminder as water extremes intensify. Desertification & Land Use: Iraq is prioritizing green belts in national strategy to fight desertification, aiming to protect land and slow degradation. Energy Security & Pollution Risk: With Strait of Hormuz traffic still disrupted, shipping and insurance costs remain high, and the wider energy shock is feeding into regional instability that can worsen environmental stress. Iraq’s Infrastructure Push: Iraq plans to start implementing the $17bn Development Road project within months, linking Basra to Turkey via rail/road and boosting transit capacity—big for trade, but also a major land-use and emissions question. Economy Under Strain: The IMF warns Iraq’s economy will be among the most affected by regional unrest, with higher import costs and trade-route disruption likely to hit inflation and budgets. Biodiversity & Ecosystem Protection: Protests in Albania highlight how major tourism projects can damage coastal ecosystems without proper environmental review—useful context for how Iraq should guard its own habitats.

Water & Environment Diplomacy: Iraq’s Environment Minister Sarwa Abdulwahid met France’s ambassador to push cooperation on water treatment, wastewater, air pollution and climate change, aiming for practical technical support as Iraq faces shrinking water and worsening air quality. Desertification & Land Protection: Iraq is prioritizing green belts in its national strategy to fight desertification, tackling land degradation before it spreads further. Oil & Climate Risk: Iraq ordered Kurdistan Region oil companies to resume operations after drone attacks disrupted production, warning the Strait of Hormuz-linked disruption has hit national finances hard. River Ecosystems Under Pressure: A new report highlights how pollution is decimating Iraq’s river ecosystems, adding urgency to water-quality action. Biodiversity & Nature: Coverage also points to livestock guardian dogs’ ancient roots across today’s Turkey, Iraq and Syria, underscoring how traditional practices can support biodiversity and safer farming.

Water & Rivers: A mass fish die-off along the Tigris in Wasit province has killed millions of fish in floating cages near Kut, al-Aziziyah and Numaniyah, with farmers blaming untreated sewage, industrial discharge, declining water levels and long-running water governance failures. Environment Policy: Iraq’s Minister of Environment Sarwa Abdulwahid met the French ambassador to push cooperation on water treatment, wastewater management, air pollution and climate change, seeking technical support and knowledge exchanges. Energy & Pollution Risk: Iraq ordered oil companies in the Kurdistan Region to resume operations after drone attacks disrupted production, a move tied to broader regional conflict impacts on exports. Climate & Adaptation: Iraq’s push for green belts to fight desertification remains a key strategy as water stress and land degradation intensify. Regional Pressure on Resources: The EBRD warned that Middle East conflict-driven energy shocks are slowing growth across its regions, adding pressure to already fragile public finances that can affect environmental spending.

Maritime Security in Iraq: MSC confirmed its containership MSC Sariska V was struck by two projectiles off Umm Qasr, with no crew injuries—raising fresh Gulf shipping fears as UKMTO reported a large explosion. Regional Energy Pressure: Oil prices edged higher as Iran-linked attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain stoked worries over the already near-closed Strait of Hormuz, with knock-on effects for fuel and supply chains. Water Stress in Iraq: Iraq is preparing emergency measures as Euphrates water levels rise, a reminder that climate and upstream management can quickly turn into local risk. Desertification Fight: Iraq is prioritizing green belts in national strategy to combat desertification—an environmental push aimed at protecting land and livelihoods. Science & Nature: Researchers say they’ve unraveled the geological origins of the Euphrates described in Genesis, linking deep-time river formation to the Fertile Crescent’s rise. Local Environment Angle: A separate report highlights plastic pollution in Iraq’s environment, keeping waste and cleanup on the agenda.

Water Security: Iraq has launched emergency preparations along the Euphrates after Turkey and Syria notified more water releases downstream, with teams monitoring western districts and removing river-basin obstacles to reduce flood risk. Shipping & Pollution Risk: MSC confirmed its containership MSC Sariska V was hit by two projectiles off Umm Qasr, with no crew injuries reported and authorities checking for any environmental impact. Desertification & Land Use: Iraq is prioritizing green belts in national strategy to fight desertification, aiming to protect land and support resilience. Energy Pressure on Iraq’s Environment: With the Strait of Hormuz under strain, fuel and shipping disruptions are reshaping regional energy flows; India’s LPG shift away from Gulf suppliers shows how quickly environmental and economic pressures travel through the region. Regional Climate Context: Scientists also reported new geological work tracing the Euphrates’ ancient origins—an unusual reminder that Iraq’s lifeline rivers have deep, shifting histories.

Maritime Safety & Pollution Risk: UKMTO says a cargo ship about 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr was hit on its starboard side by an unknown projectile, triggering a large explosion; no environmental damage or injuries were reported so far, but authorities are investigating. Escalation Around Iraq’s Waters: Iran’s IRGC claims it targeted the Panama-flagged container ship MSC Sariska V with a cruise missile, framing it as retaliation for an earlier attack near Oman—while reports conflict on what caused the blast. Energy & Climate Pressure: Oil prices jumped after Iran said it may block the Strait of Hormuz and take action against other shipping routes, a reminder that regional chokepoints can quickly translate into higher fuel costs and more pollution pressure. Water & Land Resilience: Iraq continues pushing green belts to fight desertification, as water stress and land degradation remain key environmental threats. Local Finance & Cash Economy: Iraq’s exchange offices keep expanding as about 87% of the money supply stays outside banks, shaping how trade and imports move—an indirect factor in pollution and resource use patterns.

Desertification Fight: Iraq’s Ministry of Environment says it’s rolling out green belts nationwide as a core pillar of its strategy to combat desertification and land degradation. Maritime Pollution Watch: A cargo vessel was hit by an unidentified projectile about 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr; UKMTO reported a large explosion and said no environmental impact had been reported so far. Water & Climate Research: Scientists say the ancient Euphrates formed from older river systems that merged after major course shifts—new clues to how the Fertile Crescent took shape. Urban Greening & Planning: TMG Holding secured an investment licence and a major land bank for a “smart and green” Baghdad mega-community, including parks and open green spaces. Security & Services: Ahead of Eid al-Ghadir in Najaf, Iraq’s interior ministry held an expanded security meeting focused on safer pilgrim movement and avoiding “militarization” of the ceremonies.

Desertification Fight: Iraq’s Ministry of Environment says green belts are a core pillar in the national strategy to combat desertification, with decentralized rollout led by governorates and municipalities, while the ministry monitors urban vegetation loss that worsens air pollution and public health. Oil Export Bottlenecks: With the Strait of Hormuz closed, Iraq is pushing exports via overland tankers to Syria—but bureaucratic red tape is stalling thousands of shipments, including security-clearance paperwork delays and costly tracking hardware. Biodiversity Under Pressure: Coverage highlights how Hormuz is not just an energy corridor—its mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows support threatened species, and reduced traffic plus conflict risks could deepen ecological stress. Nuclear Safety Alarm: The UN atomic agency chief warned that attacks on nuclear power plants are becoming a dangerous pattern, pointing to a drone strike near the UAE’s Barakah plant that raised fears of radiological fallout. Kurdistan Water & Food Links: In Duhok, a UN-backed supermarket access hub helped displaced and host-community farmers sell potatoes through Carrefour, boosting earnings as Iraq’s wider funding strain continues.

Strait of Hormuz & Iraq’s trade bottlenecks: With the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, Iraq is leaning on overland routes for oil exports through Syria—but a new report says bureaucratic red tape is choking tanker flows, as drivers face security-clearance paperwork so detailed that even small typos can halt loading for weeks, and firms must pay for costly tracking gear. Water security: Iraq is also preparing for a possible water surge from Syria, with authorities monitoring shared river flows and adjusting dam and reservoir operations to protect agriculture and services. Flood impacts in Syria: Across the border, rising Euphrates levels have already forced evacuations and knocked out dozens of water stations over a 200-km stretch in eastern Syria, disrupting crossings and basic utilities. Local nature & tourism: In Kurdistan, Eid al-Adha crowds flocked to Bekhal and Gali Ali Beg waterfalls for cooler air and outdoor nature time, showing how Iraq’s rivers and green landscapes pull people in even during peak travel days. Biodiversity in the region: A new look at the Strait of Hormuz highlights its wildlife value—mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass habitats—while warning that climate change is already stressing these ecosystems.