AGP Executive Report

Najaf–Iran Air Links: Iraq agreed to let Iranian airlines (excluding Mahan Air) run up to 40 flights daily to and from Najaf International, after Baghdad sought a US sanctions waiver—aimed at easing travel for pilgrims, patients, students and tourists. Baghdad Poetry Centenary: Baghdad marked 100 years since the birth of three major Iraqi poets—Badr Shakir al-Sayyab, Abdul-Wahab al-Bayati and Buland al-Haydari—with literary panels, readings and music across Al-Mutanabbi Street and cultural venues. US-Iraq Transition & Security Anxiety: With the US-led mission ending, Iraq’s new phase is raising fresh concerns over militia control and the future role of Iran-backed groups, as Tehran signals it expects greater influence after the withdrawal. Human Rights Watch for ISIS Trials: Amnesty warned Iraq must guarantee fair trials and protect child rights for more than 5,700 detainees transferred from north-east Syria ahead of a major trial session on Oct. 5. Regional Tensions in the Background: The week also carried wider Middle East friction—from Iran-linked flight restrictions to investigations tied to the Flydubai incident—showing how quickly travel and security can collide.

Sovereignty & Security: Iraq marked “Sovereignty Day” as the US-led coalition completed its final withdrawal, while Baghdad pushes a roadmap to bring non-state weapons under state control by June 30, 2027—a deadline some Iran-aligned factions reject. Militias’ Stance: Kataib Hezbollah suspended military activities after the US exit, but other groups like Al-Nujaba warned against any continued US presence and demanded equal-footing relations. Air Travel & Sanctions: Iran urged Iraq to lift flight restrictions tied to US sanctions, after Najaf-Iran services restarted but Baghdad, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah still kept Iranian flights suspended—sparking protests. Human Development: Iraq ranked 125th in the 2026 Human Progress Index, with gaps tied to stability, satisfaction, and balance including rights and gender equality. Culture & Identity: In Najaf, the agal headband is profiled as a living tradition—signaling dignity, responsibility, and social standing from childhood to adulthood. Education Crisis: UNHCR warned 5.8 million refugee children missed school in 2025, with girls hit hardest at secondary level.

Iraq’s Sovereignty Day: Iraq marked Oct. 1 with a four-day holiday after the U.S.-led coalition formally ended its mission and withdrew its last troops, with Baghdad calling it a new chapter of sovereignty and dignity. Weapons Control Roadmap: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi set a June 30, 2027 deadline for armed groups to surrender weapons and end independent military activity, but Iran-aligned factions and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq rejected any timeline, saying their weapons remain with fighters. IRGC Reaction: Iran’s IRGC celebrated the U.S. exit as a “historic victory” and urged broader American withdrawal from the region, while also warning of possible false-flag attacks. Security Fallout: Iraqis—especially Kurds—fear a vacuum could revive ISIS and embolden Iran-backed groups, as Baghdad tries to bring militias under state control. Kirkuk Counterterror Update: Iraq’s counterterrorism service retracted earlier claims after backlash over a Kirkuk operation that killed two Kurdish youth, acknowledging one ISIS member killed and another injured plus civilian deaths. Sinjar Remains Returned: The remains of 25 Yazidi ISIS victims were returned to Sinjar after DNA identification, with families and memorial ceremonies marking the handover. Culture & Community: A film screening in the UK highlighted Iraqi life and memory, including “The President’s Cake,” while local education and veteran storytelling continued through community events.

US-Iraq Withdrawal: The Pentagon says the last American troops have left Iraq, ending Operation Inherent Resolve and a 12-year anti-ISIS mission; Trump called it an “orderly” end and a “very expensive excursion into Hell,” while Iraqis celebrated but worried about what comes next. Security Vacuum Fears: Iraqi officials and Kurdistan leaders warn the pullout could weaken local defenses as IS remnants and Iran-backed militias test the new balance. Weapons Under State Control: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi says Oct. 1 is a “serious beginning” toward disarming all non-Iraqi armed groups, with a June 30, 2027 deadline, and plans to formalize the PMF within the national security structure. Militias Push Back: Iran-aligned factions say they are not bound by the government’s timeline; Kataib Hezbollah announced a suspension of military activity with exceptions. Regional Tensions: Drone attacks hit KDPI’s Azadi camp in Erbil province, with no casualties reported, underscoring how the conflict spills into Kurdistan even as the coalition exits.

Iraq-US Withdrawal: The last U.S. troops left Iraq on Wednesday, ending the 12-year anti-ISIS mission and a 23-year U.S. military footprint that began in 2003, with Iraqi forces now expected to take lead on security as coalition support shifts to training and intelligence. Militia Standoff: Iran-backed factions, including Kataib Hezbollah, say they are “not bound” by disarmament timelines, while Baghdad’s push to bring weapons under state control faces uncertainty. Kurdistan Security Worry: Kurdish officials warn they were left without adequate air defenses after heavy drone and missile attacks during the recent Iran conflict. Sovereignty Day in Baghdad: Celebrations in Baghdad and Najaf marked the pullout, but many residents also demanded militia weapons be surrendered. UK Keeps Support: The UK pledged continued security cooperation with Iraq and the Kurdish Peshmerga after Operation SHADER. Air Links to Iran: Iraqi Airways is set to resume Najaf–Iran flights in October under a U.S. sanctions exception, after earlier flight bans and disruptions. Oil Pressure: Oil prices hovered above $100 amid heightened regional risk tied to the wider Iran conflict.

Iraq-US Withdrawal: The US-led coalition is set to complete its pullout from Iraq on Wednesday, ending a 23-year military chapter and triggering fresh fears of a security vacuum, especially as Iran-backed militias and Islamic State remnants could gain room to regroup. Sovereignty Push: Baghdad is marking Oct 1 as “Sovereignty Day,” with leaders calling for weapons outside state authority to be addressed on government timelines. Militia vs. State Tension: Iraqi officials say pro-Iran factions should hand over weapons, but reports suggest Tehran won’t accept disarmament while the regional war continues. Air-Links Under Pressure: Iraq has suspended Iranian flights, while resistance groups like Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba denounce it as US bullying and push back amid talk of a short US Treasury waiver for Iraqi Airways to fly Najaf–Iran. Oil-Leverage Angle: One report revisits how US control of Iraq’s oil revenue flows through the New York Fed has long given Washington major leverage over Baghdad’s choices.

Refugee Protection Under Strain: UNHCR says funding has fallen sharply, warning 8.3 million displaced people could lose vital safety services as registration and child protection shrink. U.S. Troop Exit, Iraq’s Next Chapter: The last U.S. bases are set to close by Sept. 30, with Iraqi security experts warning Iran-backed factions may gain room to maneuver—and ISIS could try to reassert itself. Kurdistan Security Worries: Masrour Barzani calls the withdrawal “shameful,” citing vulnerability to drones and missiles and fears of instability that could weaken Kurdish autonomy. Najaf-Iran Flight Deal: Iraqi Airways received a one-month U.S. sanctions waiver to resume Najaf-linked flights for pilgrims, after Iraq suspended Iran routes. Abu Ghraib Court Update: A U.S. appeals panel overturned a $42M jury verdict against CACI, citing a Supreme Court decision affecting detainee-abuse claims. Kirkuk Tragedy: Kurdish families in Kirkuk say a teen was killed after forces labeled him an ISIS suspect, raising fresh questions about identification and due process. Culture & Art: Mathaf will present Baghdad Modern Art Group exhibitions, keeping Iraq’s creative scene in focus amid regional upheaval.

Baghdad–KRI Education Deal: Iraq and the Kurdistan Region agreed to more than double reciprocal university admissions for the next academic year, boosting undergraduate places from 400 to 1,000 and postgraduate seats from 100 to 250. Najaf Flight Resumption: Iraqi Airways restarted commercial flights between Najaf and Iranian airports after Baghdad secured talks for exemptions from US sanctions, following protests over the suspension. Sanctions Pressure on Aviation: US aviation curbs have cut Iran’s international flights roughly in half, with third-country services also affected as companies fear secondary sanctions. US Troop Exit: The final US forces are set to leave Iraq this week, a move Iran and its allies are framing as a major victory while security experts warn it could open space for new threats. Regional Diplomacy: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi said Qatar mediators will pass Tehran’s “ideas” to the US on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump confirmed messages were exchanged through mediators. Culture Spotlight: Qatar Museums announced a major Mathaf exhibition on the Baghdad Modern Art Group, running Oct 25, 2026–Feb 6, 2027.

Iraq-Iran Aviation & Pilgrimage: The US is considering a limited sanctions waiver to let Iraqi Airways fly Shi’ite pilgrims to Najaf for about a month, after Iraq suspended Iran flights—prompting nationwide protests in Najaf, Karbala, Nasiriyah and elsewhere demanding the routes return. Local Governance & Displacement: Jurf al-Nasr residents in Babil still can’t return nearly nine years after ISIS defeat, as Iran-backed militias retain control, leaving Sunni families stuck in limbo. Security & Regional Power: With the US military fully withdrawing from Iraq, Kurdistan leaders warn they’ll be exposed to ISIS and Iran-backed attacks without air-defense support. Culture & Heritage: Archaeologists and researchers highlight how they saved around 30,000 treasures from ISIS-era destruction, underscoring protection of cultural heritage during war. Lifestyle & Faith: A play, “Wish You Were Here,” uses a 1978-to-revolution diaspora story to explore friendship, change, and life under Iran’s shifting politics. Women’s Rights: Iran’s judiciary chief calls for tougher hijab enforcement, framing public unveiling as “nudity” and pushing for security and legal action.

Counterterror in Kurdistan: Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service arrested three suspected ISIS members in Sulaimani, aiming to stop sleeper cells from regrouping. Drone attacks in Erbil: Asayish said three drones struck Azadi camp in Koya district, reportedly housing members of the KDPI and families, with no casualties reported. Education & identity in Khanaqin: Baghdad and the KRG reached a preliminary deal to create Khanaqin University under federal authority, a move that could reshape the city’s political and ethnic future. Heritage under fire: A new study says Syrian archaeologists rescued about 30,000 artifacts from the Deir ez-Zor Museum during ISIS’s advance, highlighting how cultural protection can work even amid active war. Regional pressure on Iraq-Iran travel: Iraq is seeking US exemptions to restore some Iranian flights as sanctions tighten, with Najaf still suspending Iran-bound services. Kirkuk security: Iraqi forces killed two ISIS militants and captured a third in Kirkuk, while a civilian woman died after mortar fire hit near suspected positions. Culture & sports: Iraq’s Zidane Iqbal said abuse during the Gulf Cup match included insults tied to his father’s Pakistani roots, and he pushed back on the pitch.

Education & Youth: Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani marked the 20th anniversary of University of Kurdistan Hewlêr, stressing that investing in knowledge is the path to building institutions and opportunity. Higher Education & Federalism: Baghdad and Erbil reached a preliminary deal to establish Khanaqin University under federal authority, with local leadership and existing staff to continue admissions during the transition. Archaeology & Heritage: Duhok excavations at a 16th-century caravanserai in Akre uncovered pottery, old smoking pipes, and roadside-stop architecture, with restoration planned alongside international researchers. Protest & Jobs: Basra FCC project workers blocked entrances and roads at South Refineries Company, demanding Oil Ministry positions after their project ended, reporting injuries and arrests during dispersal. Security & ISIS: In Kirkuk, forces killed two suspected ISIS members and captured a third; a civilian woman later died after mortar rounds hit near a suspected ISIS movement. Culture & Identity in Sports: Iraq national player Zidane Iqbal said Kuwait fans abused him and his family, mocking his Pakistani roots, and he responded by stressing shared Muslim identity. Infrastructure & Regional Development: Doha will host the AIIB’s 11th annual meeting, focusing on sustainable infrastructure, climate finance, digital public systems, gender-responsive funding, and cross-border connectivity.

Iraq–Iran Travel Crisis: Baghdad is in direct talks with Washington to exempt some Iraqi airports from US sanctions tied to Iranian airlines, aiming to restart flights for medical treatment, education, religious visits, and other civilian needs after suspensions hit Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah—leaving passengers facing long land journeys. Local Protests: Baghdad braces for five days of protests starting Sunday, with students, engineers, prison staff, and Interior Ministry applicants demanding jobs, budget inclusion, and education/employment reforms. Kurdistan Fears: In the Iran–Iraq border region, residents in Kurdistan say renewed drone and missile activity is reopening old wounds and raising fears that war could return across borders. UN & Regional Pressure: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi says Tehran’s conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz were relayed via mediators after Trump rejected Iran’s plan, while a US Treasury official warns partners that trading with Iran risks losing access to the US market. Culture & Community: Pope Leo XIV urged “dignity and peace” while meeting migrants in Paris ahead of a massive mass, as Iraq’s own public life continues to be shaped by conflict, mobility, and rights debates.

Iraq–US Sanctions Talks: Baghdad is in direct talks with Washington to exempt some Iraqi airports from U.S. measures hitting Iranian airlines, aiming to restart flights for medical treatment, education, religious visits, and civilian needs after suspensions at Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah. Parliament Pushback: Iraq’s first deputy speaker Adnan al-Dulaimi called the flight restrictions “unconstitutional,” warning they could be reversed or Parliament may act. Local Impact: Officials and business voices say the curbs are already hurting religious tourism and the economy, with Najaf’s hospitality sector heavily tied to Iranian visitors. Regional Pressure: Iran-backed Iraqi factions, including Harakat Al-Nujaba, are threatening airport sit-ins unless normal travel resumes. Diplomacy Beyond Flights: Separately, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi met multiple counterparts at the UNGA, while Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, keeping tensions high. Culture & Memory: Iraq transferred the remains of 153 Anfal genocide victims to the Kurdistan Region, renewing attention on Kurdish history and reconciliation.

Aviation & Daily Life: Iraq is holding direct talks with the US to win exemptions for some Iraqi airports so Iranian airline flights can resume for humanitarian and civilian needs like medical care, education, religious visits, and essential travel—after US Treasury sanctions hit Iran’s aviation sector and ground-handling firms stopped servicing Iran-linked flights. Holy Cities Impact: Najaf airport and other Iraqi airports suspended Iranian flights, leaving pilgrims, students, and patients scrambling for alternatives, including long overland journeys. Regional Tensions: An Iraqi resistance group, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, condemned Baghdad’s move and threatened airport sit-ins unless normal flights resume, calling it “American dominance.” Culture Spotlight: Sulaimani’s Ahay Kurnu Cultural House is reviving local poetry and music in restored homes, turning a former garbage-filled ruin into a community arts hub. Diplomacy Watch: Iran’s President Pezeshkian returned from the UNGA amid talk of a possible seven-day Strait of Hormuz reopening, while the US keeps pressure on Iran’s aviation and broader negotiations.

Aviation & Sanctions: Iraq’s Najaf airport suspended all flights to and from Iran from 2 a.m. Sept. 25, with Baghdad, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah also halting Iranian routes after new U.S. aviation sanctions—hitting a key Shia pilgrimage corridor and forcing longer overland travel. State Authority & Arms: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi told the UN General Assembly that Iraq wants the state to decide war and peace and keep weapons under constitutional institutions, while pushing investment, oil expansion, and anti-corruption. Disarmament Deadline: U.S. Sec. of State Marco Rubio warned Iraq’s armed factions risk “Balkanization,” tying disarmament to state survival ahead of the Sept. 30 Global Coalition mission end. Regional Security: Erdogan said the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement isn’t aimed at Iran or Israel and should be handled case-by-case. Gender & Tech Safety: UN Women and partners called for coordinated action to end technology-facilitated violence against women and girls. Culture & Identity: A new memoir, “Baghdad to Brooklyn,” follows an Iraqi journey through war, immigration, and rebuilding identity. Arts & Heritage: The U.S. returned 36 antiquities worth over $5 million to Syria, spotlighting cultural preservation.

Terror Trials & Rights: Iraq’s Baghdad court opened the trial of six French nationals transferred from northeastern Syria, with serious concerns raised over opaque evidence and possible death penalties, after a process critics say risks coerced confessions and unfair proceedings. Media & Creativity: Shafaq News reports Iraq’s “copy-and-paste” culture is widening the gap between copyright law and online enforcement, hurting journalism ethics and creators’ livelihoods. Education & Culture Exchange: Rwanga Foundation and the French Institute plan new education, culture, and research cooperation in Erbil, including exchange programs and study opportunities for Kurdistan youth. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey and Iraq agreed on a phased handover of the Bashiqa-Zilkan camp to Iraq, alongside steps to extend Iraqi state authority in Sinjar and remove “outlawed” armed elements. Sanctions Hit Travel: New US measures are disrupting Iranian flights, with UAE and Oman suspending Iranian airline services and Baghdad reporting cancellations while Najaf routes reportedly continue. Culture & Heritage: University of Kufa awarded an honorary doctorate to Dawoodi Bohra leader Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, highlighting education and heritage preservation.