AGP Executive Report

Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Iraqi security forces detained 47 officials, including lawmakers and businessmen, in Baghdad and several provinces in a major anti-corruption sweep tied to the prime minister’s supervision, with a second phase reportedly targeting higher-level political figures. Water Access Gap: A new global map highlights how safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, with access far below 20% in several low-income countries despite improvements elsewhere. Illegal Fishing in Anbar: Al-Anbar’s provincial council ordered legal action against illegal fishing in the Euphrates near Ramadi, where banned methods like electric shock devices and explosives are blamed for killing fish and other aquatic life and worsening fish-stock decline. Iraq-Iran Diplomacy: Iran’s foreign minister visited Baghdad to discuss bilateral ties and regional security, proposing a Gulf security framework run by regional states without outside powers, amid renewed US-Iran tensions. Green Zone Raids: Baghdad’s Green Zone was sealed off after reports of gunfire near the US Embassy, as raids and arrests were reported in the fortified diplomatic area. Heat Pressure: Coverage warns of extreme heat across the Middle East and South Iraq, with temperatures approaching or exceeding 50C in parts of the region. Tourism & Heritage: Iraq’s state tourism body submitted nomination files for five villages to compete in UN Tourism’s “Best Tourism Villages 2026,” linking rural destinations with eco-friendly development.

Green Zone Crackdown: Iraqi security forces sealed Baghdad’s Green Zone after reports of heavy gunfire near the US Embassy, then carried out raids and arrests tied to corruption cases, with checkpoints inside the enclave. River Pollution Push: Iraq’s parliament is set to hold a special session after July 1 to tackle worsening pollution in the Tigris and Euphrates, citing new findings of sewage discharges, illegal quarrying, and other contamination hotspots. Eco-Tourism Spotlight: Iraq has completed nominations of five villages for UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages 2026, including Biyara, Rawanduz, Hiror, Merki, and Abu Subat, with an emphasis on sustainable and green tourism. Gas Flaring Warning: A World Bank report says global gas flaring rose again in 2025 to a six-year high, underlining methane’s climate damage and the need to curb routine flaring. Water Hyacinth Threat (Al-Anbar): Invasive water hyacinth continues disrupting waterways in Iraq’s Al-Anbar, adding pressure to already-stressed river ecosystems. Local Nature Investment: Iraq’s neighbors aren’t the only ones expanding green spaces—Idaho Botanical Garden broke ground on a major expansion, a reminder of how long-term habitat and education projects can grow.

Tigris & Euphrates Pollution: Iraq’s parliament is set to hold a special session after recess to tackle worsening contamination in the rivers, with officials citing unprecedented pollutant levels and dozens of identified violations and hotspots along the Euphrates. Invasive Species: Al-Anbar is battling fast-spreading water hyacinth that clogs waterways, cuts oxygen, harms fish and biodiversity, and disrupts water intake and treatment infrastructure. Cultural Heritage Under Climate Pressure: Iraq has listed the 1,500-year-old Al-Aqiser Church for urgent restoration, warning that neglect and climate change are accelerating its deterioration. E-commerce Risks: Iraq’s online shopping boom is creating jobs, but also more fraud and counterfeit sales, especially because cash-on-delivery lets unverified sellers operate with weak consumer protections. Regional Water Governance: Syria and Iraq signed a memorandum on shared water resources management, aiming to improve cooperation on a critical cross-border issue. Anfal Accountability: Kurdistan’s president renewed calls for federal compensation for Anfal genocide victims, including environmental and civilian targeting in Badinan.

Invasive Species: Water hyacinth is rapidly spreading across Al-Anbar’s Euphrates-linked waterways, choking flow, blocking sunlight, cutting oxygen, and disrupting fish and biodiversity while also clogging intake stations and raising maintenance costs. Cultural Heritage Under Pressure: Iraq has listed the 1,500-year-old Al-Aqiser Church near Ain al-Tamr as a priority for urgent restoration, citing climate change and years of neglect; the site needs excavation, restoration, and rehabilitation before it can be fully developed for tourism. Oil & Environment Tension: Iraq’s oil ministry says the PM did not raise any plan to withdraw from OPEC, but the broader quota fight is still tied to Iraq’s recovery needs—an issue that keeps environmental and water pressures in the spotlight. Regional Security & Rights: Ahead of the NATO summit, Turkey detained more than 200 people including environmental volunteers and journalists, raising alarms for civil society and environmental groups. Water Governance: Syria and Iraq signed an MoU on shared water resources management, a key step for reducing future stress on rivers and ecosystems.

OPEC & Iraq’s Oil Leverage: Iraq’s oil ministry denied reports of any plan to leave OPEC, saying Baghdad is only pushing for a quota review through OPEC’s technical, consensus-based process—after earlier comments suggested withdrawal could be considered if production ceilings block growth. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Iraq’s judiciary announced major anticorruption arrests tied to the Oil Ministry, seizing about $86m plus properties, vehicles, and gold—part of a wider push launched by the new prime minister. Ashura Security in Karbala: Iraq reported Ashura security plans in Karbala were successfully implemented, with large-scale medical support for tens of thousands of pilgrims and patients. Water & Environment: Syria and Iraq signed an MoU on shared water resources management, while Iraq also faced legal action orders against polluters. Oil Risks for the Region: Renewed concerns around the Strait of Hormuz followed a reported attack on a cargo ship near Oman, briefly rattling shipping and oil market sentiment. World Cup, Local Focus: Senegal’s Edouard Mendy is ruled out for the match vs Iraq, while Iraqi fans plan a march in Toronto ahead of the game.

Environmental enforcement: Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council ordered courts to pursue legal action against any polluters, including government bodies, and to apply Article 32 of the 2009 Environment Protection and Improvement Law—pushing violators to stop pollution, restore damage, and compensate affected people. Water governance: Iraq and Syria signed an MoU on managing shared water resources, especially the Euphrates, with coordination and technical data exchange as river flows rise after upstream rainfall. River pollution spotlight: A reported Tigris River oil spill in Baghdad has reignited questions about how spills happen and whether Iraq has the rapid-response tools to contain them. Regional shipping & oil risks: After a ship attack near Oman, Strait of Hormuz traffic and oil prices wobbled again, underlining how quickly environmental and economic risks can return when navigation safety is threatened. Local cleanup efforts: Najaf reported removing 80% of water hyacinth infestations, aiming to improve river and canal conditions.

Water Security: Iraq’s oil ministry denied reports it may leave OPEC, saying Baghdad is pushing for quota “baselines” that match sustainable capacity and the country’s security and economic realities as OPEC reviews output limits. Aviation Safety: EASA extended its Conflict Zone Information Bulletin for Iran, Iraq and Lebanon to July 1, keeping EU operators advised to avoid flying through the airspace despite a ceasefire, citing ongoing risks from missiles, drones and air-defense activity. Press Freedom: In Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, PUK leader Bafel Talabani publicly insulted two journalists after they asked questions about political negotiations, renewing concerns about shrinking space for media work. Climate & Biodiversity: China announced a rare coral reef “blue hole” in the South China Sea, describing it as a natural archive for climate and biodiversity history. Regional Water Stress: Floods and renewed Euphrates flows have revived debate over Tigris-Euphrates sharing and whether upstream dam policies are being used as leverage.

Water & Climate Resilience in Iraq: In Balad, communities are tackling shrinking and more erratic water supplies by building shared water governance, using dialogue to reduce disputes over pumps, land access, and irrigation as climate pressures intensify. Euphrates Safety Warning: An Iraqi observatory says the Euphrates is unsafe for human use as the river nears a hostile environment, raising fresh public health concerns. Gas Flaring & Pollution Context: Iraq is highlighted as a major gas-flaring country, with World Bank reporting showing flaring rose again in 2025—fueling air pollution and climate harm. Environment Meets Security at Hormuz: Talks around Strait of Hormuz focus on future navigation and maritime services, with Gulf states pushing for toll-free transit while Iran may seek environmental and security fees—an issue that can affect regional shipping and pollution risks. Iraq-US Economic Shift: Iraq’s PM says ties with the US are moving from military to comprehensive economic partnership as the coalition mission winds down, shaping future investment priorities that can include environmental management.

Strait of Hormuz Talks: Qatar’s PM met Oman to kick off negotiations on reopening and future operations of the Strait of Hormuz involving Iran, Iraq and Gulf states, with Gulf countries pushing for no transit fees while Iran may seek environmental, navigation and security charges. Aviation Safety: The EU aviation regulator (EASA) urged airlines to avoid Iran, Iraq and Lebanon airspace for now, and to fly with extra caution across key Gulf routes as tensions remain unresolved and escalation risk persists around Hormuz. Water & Food Safety: An Iraqi observatory warned the Euphrates fish are unfit for human consumption as the river nears a harsher environment. Water Hyacinth Cleanup: Najaf removed about 80% of water hyacinth infestations, aiming to improve river conditions. Gas Flaring Watch: Iraq was flagged as a top gas-flaring country in 2025, underscoring ongoing climate and pollution pressure. Diplomatic Recalibration: Iraq nominated Krikor Der-Hagopian as ambassador to Washington, signaling a push to reset ties with the US. Heat Risk: NOAA flagged extreme heat threats across several US World Cup host cities, including Philadelphia and New York/New Jersey, raising concerns for outdoor events and public health.

Water Pollution Watch: Iraq Green Iraq Observatory warns the Euphrates is unsafe for drinking and fishing as low water levels concentrate contaminants, while hospital waste and fertilizer-laden agricultural drainage are blamed for rising pollution and algae/water hyacinth that choke oxygen. Climate & Energy Accountability: The World Bank says gas flaring surged in 2025, with Iraq among the top flaring countries; the report links the waste to weak infrastructure and regulation, and notes flaring releases major greenhouse gases. Drought’s Hidden Cost (and Reveal): An extreme drought in Iraq’s north exposed a 3,400-year-old Bronze Age city near the Mosul Dam—an eerie reminder that climate stress can both uncover and endanger heritage. Food Security Signals: After drought curbs, heavy rains and higher river flows have helped Iraq’s rice planting rebound in parts of the country, but experts warn the recovery may not last through the next dry season. Green Urban Push: Kurdistan’s Erbil inaugurated the Hanging Gardens of Babylon Park in Ankawa, part of efforts to expand green space and protect groundwater. Marine Life Warning: Iraq’s Euphrates fish are also flagged as unfit for human consumption as the river ecosystem deteriorates.

Water & Food Security in Iraq: The Green Iraq Observatory says the Euphrates is “not suitable” for human consumption, warning that record-low flows are concentrating pollution. It cites hospital waste, sewage, agricultural runoff, invasive water hyacinth, and oxygen loss that are harming fish and could push more people off marshland and rural livelihoods. Climate Risk for Farmers: In Najaf, rice growers are back in the fields after drought eased with heavier rains and higher river flows, but experts warn the recovery may not last through the next dry season—especially as Iraq faces long-term warming and declining rainfall. Methane & Fossil Fuel Pressure: UN chief António Guterres urged faster methane cuts, targeting coal, oil and gas practices and profits, saying aggressive methane reductions can bring “visible temperature relief” within a generation. Pollution & Ecosystems: The same drought-and-pollution squeeze is highlighted as a wider aquatic crisis, with observatory concerns that worsening conditions could deepen ecological damage across Iraq’s water systems. Global Gas Flaring: A World Bank tracker reports gas flaring hit a six-year high in 2025, with Russia, Iran, and Iraq among the biggest contributors—another pressure point for climate and local air quality.

Invasive Species Cleanup: Najaf authorities removed about 80% of water hyacinth infestations from rivers and canals, with remaining patches expected to be cleared in the coming weeks ahead of the rice season. Extreme Weather & Water Risks: Severe thunderstorms hit Philadelphia with tornado and flood warnings, downed trees and wires, and water rescues—highlighting how fast heavy rain can overwhelm drainage and public safety. Local Learning & Community Resilience: In Mardin, children are learning analogue photography through a hands-on darkroom workshop, including developing and printing their own photos—an inclusion project supporting families affected by displacement. Public Health Milestone: WHO validated Tunisia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, linking progress to sustained water, sanitation and hygiene efforts. Iraq Environment Angle: The hyacinth drive directly targets aquatic ecosystem damage and farmland risk, while the weather coverage underscores the broader need for stronger flood preparedness.

Climate & Disaster Risk: UNICEF warns floods, droughts and extreme heat are compounding hazards and putting over a billion children at risk, highlighting water, sanitation and hygiene gaps that are hard to protect as conditions worsen. Methane & Air Pollution: Iraq is named among founders of a new Fossil Fuel Regulatory Programme aimed at cutting methane faster, with Ghana also listed as a founder and new countries joining to close the gap between pledges and rising emissions. Water & Health in Iraq: UNICEF notes it installed wastewater treatment systems across Iraq between 2021 and 2025, improving safe water access for thousands, including many children. Energy & Investment in Al-Anbar: Iraq’s Al-Anbar is pushing gas investment as Schlumberger resumes work at the Akaz (Akkas) gas field after earlier security-driven suspension, though officials cite licensing and bureaucracy as key hurdles. Summer Power & Oil Output: Iraq’s oil ministry says it’s working to raise production toward 4.3 million barrels per day and boost exports via southern ports, alongside rehabilitation plans for southern fields. Security & Environment Link: With the Strait of Hormuz reopening under a US-Iran MoU, analysts warn shipping and oil market stability remain fragile—an energy chokepoint issue that can quickly spill into pollution and disaster risk across the region. Sports Weather (Local Impact): Severe storms and heavy rain are forecast to disrupt World Cup matches in New Jersey and Philadelphia, a reminder that extreme weather can hit public events fast.

Oil & Exports: Iraq’s Ministry of Oil says it’s pushing to restore southern output to about 4.3 million barrels per day and lift exports toward 3.5 million bpd, with field rehabilitation, faster pumping, and bottleneck fixes at southern ports. Energy Security: The push also includes work on the Kirkuk–Ceyhan pipeline, expanding export routes, and accelerating exploration and associated gas projects. Environment & Safety: The Green Iraq Observatory warns nearly 4,800 sq km of land remains contaminated by landmines and war remnants, hitting farming, food security, and local livelihoods. Water Infrastructure: In Kurdistan, the Goptapa Water Project in Chamchamal is about 40% complete and is expected to finish by year-end to ease long-running water shortages. Local Governance (Kurdistan): Garmian carried out a security and services reshuffle, including appointing a new head of the Forest and Environment Police. Trade Corridor: AD Ports launched an integrated logistics service linking Khalifa Port to Umm Qasr, aiming to strengthen Gulf-to-Türkiye/Europe shipping and regional connectivity.

Landmine Cleanup Crisis: The Green Iraq Observatory says nearly 4,800 sq km of Iraqi land is still contaminated by mines and unexploded ordnance, harming farmers and food production and putting children and shepherds at risk. Water Security: In Chamchamal, a major Goptapa water project is about 40% complete and could finish by year-end, aiming to end decades of shortages. Electricity & River Protection: Iraq’s cabinet approved free summer diesel for private generators and ordered tighter monitoring, while also stressing measures to protect the Tigris from pollution. Oil Push Despite Strain: Iraq plans to restore crude output toward 4.3 million bpd and revive exports, as the country faces fiscal pressure and ongoing regional disruptions. Northern Exploration Boost: Iraq has begun drilling its first northern exploration well since 1978, targeting new hydrocarbon reserves. Regional Trade & Logistics: AD Ports launched integrated shipping and logistics links between Khalifa Port and Umm Qasr, strengthening Gulf-to-Türkiye/Europe corridors. Food Security Risk: A new report warns the Arab region remains highly exposed to food shocks tied to the war-driven instability around energy and shipping routes.

Electricity & Water Protection: Iraq’s cabinet approved free diesel for private generators during July–August, giving 45 liters per 1 KVA (with conditions on daily power delivery) and tasking provinces with fair pricing and monitoring—while also stressing protection of the Tigris River from pollution. Energy Security & Oil Exploration: Iraq’s Ministry of Oil says it has started drilling its first northern exploration well since 1978, aiming to reactivate exploration and boost reserves. Regional Oil Risks: With the Strait of Hormuz reopening but remaining volatile, analysts warn that shipping and oil flows are still uncertain—an issue that directly affects Iraq’s energy corridor and costs. Kurdistan Exports: Kurdistan oil fields are set to resume production and exports after suspensions tied to attacks, with output still far below pre-crisis levels. Desertification Focus: Iraq plans to unveil a national desertification assessment, signaling a push toward long-term land and climate resilience. Refugees & Climate Pressure: On World Refugee Day, UNHCR highlights displacement driven by conflict, poverty, and climate change; Iraqis’ asylum applications in Europe topped 806K, with deaths and missing persons reported during irregular migration. Safety at Natural Sites: A Halabja girl died after drowning at a tourist area near a spring, prompting calls for tighter safety measures around waterways.