AGP Executive Report

Iraq Diplomacy & Services: Iraq’s foreign ministry has approved new consulates in Erbil for Bahrain, Oman, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan, with final cabinet authorization pending—aimed at easing visas for travel, education, and medical care. Kurdistan Politics: The PUK and the New Generation Movement signed a cooperation agreement in Sulaymaniyah to coordinate positions in the Kurdistan Parliament and Iraq’s Council of Representatives, including joint work on health, education, public services, taxation, and job creation. Regional Security & Kurdish Tensions: Iran’s IRGC says it dismantled a “separatist terrorist” cell linked to the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan, killing five in an ambush near Piranshahr; Kurdish sources also report deadly clashes near the Iran-Iraq border. Shia Cultural Life & Mourning: Iraq is preparing for mass funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Najaf and Karbala, with no Baghdad events due to timing, as organizers say millions are expected and services are being readied. Human Rights Spotlight: UN reports on Palestinian children are criticized as offering little relief amid ongoing devastation, with Gaza’s child casualties and displacement continuing to mount. Culture & Community (Sports): World Cup coverage turns local with a guide to where to watch Portugal vs. Croatia in Toronto and how fans plan marches ahead of Round of 16 matches.

Iran Funeral & Regional Tensions: Iran is preparing a week of state funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, starting July 4 and ending with burial in Mashhad on July 9, with processions planned through Tehran, Qom, and Iraq’s holy cities of Karbala and Najaf; officials expect 15–20 million mourners, while the IRGC warns the US and Israel against “miscalculation” during the mourning period. US-Iran Talks in Doha: After indirect technical talks in Doha, mediators say “positive progress” on the 14-point MoU, while the US presses Iran not to charge tolls for Strait of Hormuz passage—diplomacy continues via Qatar and Pakistan after recent Gulf flare-ups. Kurdish Opposition Under Pressure: Iran’s strikes on Kurdish opposition targets continue, including drone attacks reported near Erbil and clashes that killed KDPI members in Rojhelat, as Kurdish groups face escalating pressure from IRGC forces. Shia Rights Watch: A new monthly report documents violations against Shia Muslims across countries in June, including restrictions and crackdowns around Ashura and Muharram observances. Iraq Culture & Daily Life: YouTube rolls out supervised kid accounts across MENA including Iraq, adding stronger privacy and parental controls; in Iraq’s Kurdistan, local unrest follows the killing of a 14-year-old in Mahabad, sparking protests and a general strike. Security & Lifestyle: Abu Dhabi Police promotes home-security steps for holiday travel, emphasizing simple precautions and remote monitoring.

Religious & Environmental Decree: Ayatollah Al-Sistani ruled that dumping untreated sewage, solid waste, medical waste, or chemical pollutants into Iraq’s rivers is “religiously forbidden,” calling it harmful to public health and making offenders sinful under Islamic law. Kurdistan Governance: The Yekgirtû bloc urged urgent activation of the Kurdistan Region parliament to break the deadlock, while also backing Iraq’s anti-corruption push and calling for fuel-price relief. Anti-Corruption in Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s early crackdown hit the Green Zone, with raids and arrests of lawmakers and senior officials tied to suspected corruption networks. Cultural Revival: Iraq’s PM ordered support to revive Bayt Al-Hikma, the modern “House of Wisdom,” aiming to restore its role as a hub for scholarship, translation, and dialogue. Community & Housing Rights: Shabak representatives in Nineveh warned that over 150 homes could face demolition in the Nineveh Plains, citing unresolved expropriation decisions and lack of compensation. Local Energy Access: In Erbil, the Rwanga project powered 100 units in Ziyarat village with solar electricity for homes and public facilities, targeting summer power shortages. Sexual Harassment Probe (Kurdistan): A Kurdish Salafi cleric linked to Sulaimani’s university world was permanently removed from public work after leaked messages and audio recordings alleged sexual harassment of female students.

Iraq Anti-Corruption Push: Iraq’s new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, is driving a sweeping crackdown that has already swept up MPs, senior officials, and even judges—sparking optimism about a cleaner political future. Green Zone Pressure: Raids in Baghdad’s Green Zone are testing al-Zaidi’s anti-corruption push in real time. Kurdish Tensions in the Region: Deadly clashes in Iran’s Kurdish west highlight how Kurdish opposition groups and regime-linked forces keep colliding, with new group names raising questions about fragmentation. Khamenei Funeral Across Iraq & Iran: Iran is planning multi-day farewell ceremonies for Ali Khamenei from July 4–9, including processions in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala, turning the event into a major cultural and religious moment. Cultural Life & Sports: World Cup fever is spilling into everyday life—from jersey demand in Singapore to World Cup street culture in Iraq’s wider region—while Iraq’s own tournament moments keep fans talking.

Iraq-Iran Funeral Coordination: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi says Iraq is preparing a “historic” mass funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after meetings with Baghdad leadership and governors in Karbala and Najaf ahead of a July 8, six-day program. Green Zone Anti-Corruption: Iraq’s Green Zone raids have detained dozens of politicians and senior officials, testing PM Ali al-Zaidi’s anti-corruption push and raising questions about whether it’s deep reform or a limited show ahead of foreign visits. Education Overhaul: Iraq’s acting higher education minister ordered an immediate halt to new applications for private universities and colleges, aiming to rein in rapid expansion and tighten oversight. Mosul Land Dispute: Nineveh Council lifted restrictions on building in Mosul outskirts on legally registered private land, pushing permits and land-leveling while addressing demographic and property-rights tensions. Local Development Funding: Al-Diwaniyah says it needs about $763M to finish development projects through mid-2027, citing funding gaps despite prior allocations. Regional Security Tensions: Iraq’s PM says there’s “no evidence” attacks on Gulf states originated from Iraqi territory, while Iran-linked violence and Kurdish border clashes continue to complicate diplomacy.

Iraq Anti-Corruption: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi ordered a dedicated account for recovered illicit funds as the Integrity Commission pushes an asset-recovery draft law to parliament, while Operation Dawn arrests 21 suspects and expands digital freezing of assets abroad. Regional Security (Iran-Iraq border): Iran’s IRGC says two Guards members were shot dead in Paveh near Iraqi Kurdistan, with Tehran blaming Kurdish separatists; separate reports also cite clashes and attacks in western Iran. Diplomacy & Frozen Funds: Iran’s foreign ministry says it will monitor US compliance “moment-by-moment” and won’t act unilaterally under the MoU, while Qatar-based talks continue without direct Iran-US meetings and $6bn frozen funds remain tied to humanitarian purchases. Khamenei Funeral in Iraq: Iran is preparing a major state funeral spanning Tehran and Shia holy sites in Iraq, with coordination reported between Iranian officials and Iraqi counterparts ahead of July ceremonies. Culture & Media: V and Screenomic launched free premium Arabic TV channels across Iraq and 9 other MENA markets, and Doha Film Institute announced 48 Spring 2026 grants, including projects from Iraq.

Cultural Heritage Under Threat: Iraqi security forces in Basra arrested four people over an alleged $300,000 attempt to sell an ancient Egyptian statue, with the artifact sent for authenticity checks and investigators tracing how it reached Iraq. Regional Arts & Identity: The Doha Film Institute brought seven contemporary Arab films (including Iraq’s stories) to Mexico City’s Cineteca Nacional de las Artes as part of the 2026 Year of Culture, drawing over 1,000 attendees and spotlighting themes like identity, memory, family, and tradition. Shia Religious Life & Public Safety: Iraq’s holy cities of Karbala and Najaf confirmed readiness to host Ali Khamenei’s funeral ceremonies, with plans modeled on major pilgrimages like Arbaeen and coordination involving Baghdad and Iranian officials. Iraq’s Internal Governance: Iraq set a Sept. 30 deadline for pro-Iran armed groups to disarm, warning that weapons outside state control will face legal action as the US-led coalition mission ends. Diaspora & Kurdish Culture: A Kurdish cultural center in Dublin is helping unify Kurds in Ireland through language classes, community events, and support for newcomers—highlighting how culture travels and rebuilds at home. Media & Sectarian Sensitivity: In Syria, activists demanded enforcement of constitutional rules against “Assadism,” while in Pakistan a Muharram documentary sparked a regulator crackdown and a public apology from Geo News.

Iraq Security & Governance: Iraq set a late-September deadline for armed groups to hand over weapons to the state, as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi pushes a major anti-corruption drive and aligns with US-backed disarmament plans ahead of coalition withdrawal. Regional Diplomacy: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi met Iraqi officials in Baghdad, urging a self-sustaining regional security mechanism and warning against foreign interference amid US-Iran tensions. US-Iran Fallout in the Gulf: After weekend strikes, the US and Iran agreed to pause attacks and resume talks in Doha over the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran warned it would not accept alternative shipping arrangements outside its control. Community & Faith Safety: Mumbai police say a Muharram poisoning plot was foiled after 14,900 zinc-phosphide capsules were seized; investigators are now probing the suspect’s digital links and past statements. Media & Religious Sensitivity: Pakistan’s PEMRA suspended Geo News for 15 days over a Muharram programme deemed offensive, after the channel apologized and removed the footage. Culture & Film: Doha Film Institute announced 2026 spring grants, including projects involving Iraq-based voices.

Iraq–Iran Diplomacy: Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi met Iraqi President Nezar Amidi, Parliament Speaker Hebat al-Halbousi, and security officials in Baghdad, pushing “collective regional security” and warning that US and Israeli violations of the ceasefire threaten stability. Shia Cultural Life & Rituals: Iran and Iraq also coordinated plans for mass state funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Khamenei across Iraqi Shia holy sites, underscoring how religion and politics move together in public life. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran doubled down on “sole management” of Hormuz, demanding IRGC permission for ships and warning any outside route changes would delay reopening and raise tensions, as US–Iran strikes continue to rattle shipping. Media & Muharram Sensitivities (Pakistan): Pakistan’s regulator suspended Geo News for 15 days over Muharram “religious visualisations,” after the channel apologized and said the footage was shown in error. Refugees & Safety: UN marked the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention with a call to defend the right to seek safety as displacement pressures grow. Community Observance Abroad (Diaspora): Ashura events in Dearborn drew thousands, mixing mourning with community meals and services.

Parallel Finance in Baghdad: Shafaq News reports Iraq’s “popular credit” market in Shorja and Jamila—fast cash via intermediaries, unclear interest, and no contracts or legal protection—thriving where formal banking fails the poorest. Protest Crackdown in Wasit: Iraq’s human rights watchdog says arrests in Kut follow electricity-cut protests, warning the approach echoes 2019-era violations. Tourism & Heritage: Iraq has nominated five villages for the UN Tourism “Best Tourism Villages 2026” award, including Hawraman’s Biyara, Erbil’s Rawanduz, and Nineveh’s Merki. Ashura Life in Public: Shi’ite mourners across Iraq mark Ashura in Karbala and Baghdad with large processions and self-flagellation rituals amid regional war fallout. Kurdistan Under Pressure: Iran-linked Kurdish opposition figures report the death of a PAK member found in an Erbil hotel, alleging assassination. Health Infrastructure: Heet’s 200-bed hospital in Anbar is at 72% completion, with completion targeted for April 2027. Women’s Economic Independence: In Maxmur, a women’s handicrafts commune preserves Kurdish craft while selling through a cooperative network. Security Signals Near Baghdad: An interceptor drone reportedly crashed in Nahrawan; investigators say it wasn’t loaded with explosives.

Ashoura & Karbala Culture: Iraqi Shia grief and ritual life stay in focus as Ashoura draws massive crowds across the region, with Karbala’s shrines and Najaf’s processions again marked by self-flagellation and strict security. World Cup, Iraqi Identity: Iraq’s World Cup run ends with a heavy 5-0 loss to Senegal, leaving fans torn between celebration and Muharram mourning; the match also lands right after Ashura, deepening the emotional dilemma for Iraqi supporters. Heritage & Restoration: Iraq’s ancient Al-Aqiser Church in Karbala province is listed for urgent restoration, as climate change and neglect accelerate deterioration—an effort that could revive tourism and archaeological recognition. Regional Security Spillover: In Iran’s Kurdistan, an attack on the Sabdalu checkpoint in Baneh kills two Iranian security personnel, days after Kurdish opposition forces warned of retaliation in Rojhelat. Diplomacy & Economy: A US-Iran framework is described as an economic lifeline for Tehran, with sanctions waivers and asset unfreezing tied to ceasefire terms—raising fresh debate over what it means for regional armed groups.

Ashoura in Iraq and the region: Massive Shiite crowds marked Ashoura across Karbala and beyond, remembering Imam Hussein’s 680 killing and the wider meaning of resistance and mourning—this year shadowed by the Iran–Israel–U.S. war fallout. Karbala security and services: Iraq’s Ashura security plan in Karbala was reported as successfully implemented, with field supervision across ministries, PMF support, and major medical coverage for tens of thousands of pilgrims. Iraq’s World Cup culture moment: Iraq’s match vs Senegal in Toronto drew fan marches and big-screen festival plans, with the game ending in a 5-0 Senegal win that eliminated Iraq from the tournament. Turkey clamps down on civil society: Ahead of a NATO summit, Turkey detained 200+ people in Ankara, including journalists, academics, environmental activists, and an LGBT+ media editor, with charges tied to alleged terrorism links. Iraq budget dispute: A new row erupted over “missing” public revenues—about $140bn—amid corruption probes involving oil and electricity contracts. Strait of Hormuz tensions: Reports continued over a new U.S.–Iran communication line to prevent escalation, even as drone and shipping incidents keep raising the stakes.

Ashoura in Karbala: Thousands of Shiite pilgrims filled Karbala’s shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas for Ashoura’s peak rituals, with black banners, mourning processions, and reinforced security across the city. Iraq–IS security: Iraq’s Defense Ministry released footage of airstrikes on vehicles of Islamic State fighters fleeing Fallujah, saying helicopters destroyed 138+ vehicles, while the U.S.-led coalition also reported strikes on Daesh concentrations. Oil & sovereignty: Trump renewed an order keeping Iraq’s oil revenues under U.S. control in a New York Fed account, citing “national security,” as Iraq’s exports rise. Hormuz shipping tensions: Iran struck a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting shipping and raising fresh security fears while Iran warns ships to use designated routes. World Cup, Iraq fans: Iraq’s must-win group match vs Senegal in Toronto has fans hoping for an “absolute miracle,” after recent momentum and a long wait for World Cup football. Culture & sport: Norway’s women’s football leader Lise Klaveness is celebrated for grassroots-driven inclusion as the tournament spotlights global fan culture.

Ashura in Iraq: Karbala and Najaf are in full mourning mode for Muharram 10, with pilgrims arriving in huge numbers and security and services ramped up; Najaf airport alone logged nearly 30,000 passengers and 170 flights since Muharram began. Community food traditions: In Erbil, an Ashura mawkib turned 400kg of meat into free meals, serving rice and qeema to preserve rituals and support mourners. Personal devotion: A Karbala elder, Hajja Umm Jasim, has spent decades quietly serving water to pilgrims—once a risky act under past crackdowns, now done openly. Iraq diplomacy: Iraq’s parliamentary delegation raised reservations over parts of the Baku Declaration, especially language on a “two-state solution,” and asked that objections be recorded. Regional security & disarmament: The US and GCC backed Baghdad’s push to place weapons under state control and urged Iraq to prevent Iran-backed armed groups from targeting Gulf states from Iraqi territory. Culture beyond Iraq: Iraqi striker Ali Al-Hamadi’s World Cup journey—from displacement to Liverpool’s Toxteth—keeps spotlighting Iraqi talent on the global stage.

Ashura in Iraq: Millions of Shiite mourners gathered in Karbala as Iraq entered the final hours before Ashura, with major security and health measures ramped up for the peak pilgrimage day. Local Governance & Daily Life: In Wasit, protesters stormed and shut down the Wasit Provincial Council building in Kut over worsening electricity shortages, with tear gas and water cannons used to disperse crowds. Ethnic & Regional Tensions: A land dispute in Kirkuk turned deadly, leaving one dead and three wounded in a gunfight involving people from Chamchamal, underscoring the province’s long-running multi-community fault lines. Heritage & Identity: Iraq’s Ministry of Culture announced the discovery of a rare 7th-century BC stele of King Ashurbanipal in Nineveh, found during restoration work at sites damaged by ISIS. Culture & Community Links: A “Turkmen Heritage: Solidarity of Civil Societies” forum in Baku brought together civil society representatives from Iraq and the region to protect Turkman heritage and strengthen cultural cooperation. Sports as Culture: Iraqi striker Al-Hamadi’s journey from Iraq to Liverpool is spotlighted ahead of Iraq’s World Cup match vs Senegal.

Iraq–US Economic Shift: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi says ties with Washington are moving from a mainly military partnership toward economic cooperation as the US-led anti-ISIS mission winds down, with talks ahead on trade and investment. Kurdistan Drone Defense Push: Iraq is expected to provide the Kurdistan Region with counter-drone systems to protect energy sites after hundreds of attacks linked to Iran-linked proxies, highlighting the growing security-lifestyle pressure on daily life and infrastructure. ISIS Finance Crackdown: The US Treasury’s OFAC sanctioned ISIS-linked crypto facilitators and money services firms across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, underlining how global finance networks still reach the region. World Cup Fan Culture: Norway fans are turning matches into cultural spectacle with the “Viking row” and big public rituals, while Iraq’s presence in the tournament keeps drawing attention from fans abroad. Religious Life in Iraq: Muharram observances continue to fill Iraq’s public spaces with mourning processions, reinforcing how faith rituals remain central to local culture. Security Returns Home: Australia granted a permit for the last “ISIS bride” stranded in Syria to return, with intensive monitoring—another reminder of how conflict abroad echoes into family and community life.