AGP Executive Report

Iraq’s Sovereignty Line: President Nizar Amidi told the Baghdad Dialogue that “Iraq comes first,” rejecting any use of Iraqi territory to attack other countries and calling for weapons to stay under state control. Hormuz Relief for Oil Exports: Iran has granted permission for some Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after Baghdad’s repeated requests, with officials linking the move to easing pressure on Iraq’s economy. Telecom Crackdown in Baghdad: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission began closing Korek Telecom offices in Baghdad after a regulator dispute, shutting sites and moving toward restrictions on the company’s assets. Regional Tensions, Syria Airbase: US envoy Tom Barrack said intelligence behind Israel’s strike on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase was wrong, while Israel-Turkey fears grow after the attack near the Turkish border. TV & Pop Culture: If you’re hunting for political drama, Netflix’s “The Diplomat” is back on the watchlist radar, alongside other must-see political series. Sports: China opened the Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship by sweeping Iraq in straight sets.

Iraq Sports & Football: FIFA permanently lifted Najaf FC’s registration ban after the club settled required payments, ending a case that had forced the team to suspend sporting activity in late 2025. Iraq Media & Military: Iraq’s Military Intelligence Directorate reaffirmed rules restricting personnel from appearing in the media, directing complaints through the chain of command. Iraq Housing & Economy: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi outlined plans to distribute one million residential land plots, expand solar power, and push oil export growth toward 8–10 million barrels per day within six years. Regional Arts & Culture (Global): A new Amazon docuseries spotlights Pep Guardiola’s media-heavy era at Manchester City, while international music news highlights Kurdish New Zealander rapper Fat Papi’s Billboard Hot 100 breakthrough. Entertainment & Satire: Scott McKay’s satirical thriller “The Necessary Men” continues with Episode 4, serialized chapters for readers. Sports Tech: The Iraq Football Association signed a Hudl Wyscout deal to modernize scouting and analysis.

Iraq-Iran Gulf Tensions: Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf sparked an online uproar after posting a map labeling the gulf “Persian Gulf” during talks in Baghdad, reigniting a long-running naming dispute. Sanctions Showdown: Iran warned any new U.S. financial pressure would be “devastating,” as Washington’s Scott Bessent promised the “toughest” penalties aimed at toppling Tehran—while Iran’s Qalibaf accused the U.S. and Israel of “economic and cognitive” warfare. Maritime Security: Two separate hijackings off Somalia and Yemen reportedly involved 22 Indian sailors, with crews held after attacks on a Cameroon-flagged cargo ship and an Eritrean-flagged oil tanker. Local Media/Tech: Iraq’s communications regulator shut down Korek Telecom offices in Baghdad, moving to force users toward verification and alternative numbers. Sports & Culture: Qatar won 20 medals at the West Asian Table Tennis Championships in Amman, with Iraq among the competing teams. Defense Industry Spotlight: Kurdistan’s AAC SHIELD unveiled its B70 tracked armored vehicle, a rare homegrown Iraqi tank project.

Telecom Crackdown in Baghdad: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) shut down Korek Telecom’s Baghdad headquarters and three sales centers, coordinating with the Iraqi National Security Service as part of regulatory enforcement; Korek says the move is illegal and politically driven. Digital Life Meets Reality: A Shafaq News report says Iraqans are already using chatbots for homework and errands, but AI readiness is held back by weak infrastructure, fragmented government databases, and thin digital coordination. AI Divide: Another Shafaq News piece frames Iraq’s AI push as a test of whether institutions can modernize fast enough—before outages and missing digital foundations widen the gap. Parliament vs. PMF Strikes: Iraq’s parliament hearing on the government’s response to US-Saudi strikes that hit PMF sites was disrupted when summoned officials failed to appear, prompting lawmakers to consider further steps. Regional Power Play: Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf visited Baghdad, calling for a “new order” and backing Iraq’s Iran-aligned “resistance,” while also weighing the weapons-disarmament deadline looming at the end of September. Symbolic Gulf Row: Iraqi and Iranian parliament speakers traded posts over whether the Gulf should be called “Persian Gulf” or “Arabian Gulf,” reigniting a sensitive naming dispute tied to shipping and Hormuz tensions. Sports Spotlight: Qatar won 20 medals at the West Asian Table Tennis Championships in Amman, including four golds, with Iraq among the participating teams. Mine Clearance in Duhok: Two teams cleared about 120,000 square meters in Duhok, defusing nine BLU-63 bomblets and an RPG round, as contamination continues to threaten farming and herding.

Iraq’s Media & Telecom: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission shut down Korek Telecom centers in Baghdad, including the operator’s main Jadriya site, as the regulator escalates verification and compliance moves; Korek’s CEO calls it illegal and part of a wider pressure campaign. Parliament & Security: Iraqi lawmakers say senior officials skipped a parliament hearing over the government’s response to US-Saudi strikes that hit PMF sites, with the Security and Defense Committee warning of further steps. Kurdistan Safety & Recovery: In Duhok, mine-clearance teams are working to clear about 120,000 square meters, already defusing nine BLU-63 bomblets and an RPG round. Public Disarmament Push: Baghdad is turning militia disarmament into a public messaging campaign ahead of a September 30 deadline, using state media to argue why weapons must move under state control. Regional Politics: Iraq’s parliament speaker posted an “Arabian Gulf” map in response to Iran’s “Persian Gulf” display, underscoring how even naming disputes are tied to oil and regional influence. Arts & Culture (Global): Reviews highlight major Middle East history storytelling and new documentary viewing picks, including Ken Burns’ The American Revolution.

PMF Integration Push: Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces law is expected to be passed “in the coming days,” with PMF media chief Muhannad al-Aqabi saying it will formalize structure, retirement and benefits as Baghdad continues weapons-control efforts. Disarmament Deadline Pressure: Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is in Baghdad carrying proposals aimed at avoiding a showdown with Tehran-aligned armed factions ahead of a Sept. 30 disarmament deadline, including ideas like freezing or concealing heavy weapons. Media Crackdown: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission barred former lawmaker Sajjad Salem from appearing on Iraqi and foreign media for 90 days over claims he spread “false and misleading information” and insulted state institutions. Digital Life Advice: Kurdistan’s Korek Telecom users were told by the media regulator to add alternate phone numbers to keep access to accounts if verification messages stop. Arts & Culture, Iraq Online: Iraqi women are moving fortune-telling coffee-and-dictionary traditions onto TikTok, offering live readings for fees and turning a local ritual into a new digital service.

Iraq Security & Defense: An Iraqi MP says about 50,000 tank shells were destroyed at the Taji base north of Baghdad during Arbaeen, prompting calls for an investigation into who did it and why. Regional Diplomacy: Iraqi leaders met Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to discuss ties and regional tensions, with Iraq also pressing for protections for oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. US-Iran Flashpoint: Iran’s top negotiator says the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until the US meets interim deal conditions, including ending port blockades and lifting sanctions. Middle East Tensions: The US condemned Israel’s strikes on a Syrian airbase near Turkey as “unnecessary escalation,” while Syria and Turkey warned of escalation risks. Arts & Culture (Iraq-linked): A new Dar Amira restaurant concept in Amman signals expansion plans that include Iraq, bringing Moroccan cuisine and hospitality to the region. Sports: The AFC Champions League Two draw set “Arkadag” against Al Jazira, Gol Gohar Sirjan, and Al-Muharraq. Music/Media: The Ecstatic (reissued under Yasiin Bey) returns as a politically charged album drawing on Middle Eastern musical elements.

Iraq Security & State Control: Iraq’s government says Popular Mobilization Forces factions have started handing over weapons under a plan to bring all arms under state control, aiming to strengthen authority and the rule of law. Kurdistan Drone Attack: A drone strike hit KRG PM Masrour Barzani’s office in Erbil; Baghdad ordered an investigation while Iran denied involvement and called it a possible false-flag. Regional Tensions: Israel carried out eight strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib; the US envoy and Turkey condemned it as “unnecessary escalation.” Culture & Film: A Chinese film, Once Upon a Time in the Middle East, retells the Iraq war through a Chinese chef’s story and is already a major box-office hit. Arts & Community (Iraq-linked): A mass wedding in Akre (Kurdistan) celebrated the KDP’s 80th anniversary with 90 couples, featuring traditional music and dancing. Human Rights Watch: Amnesty International urged Iraq to speed up human-rights reforms, warning that impunity and stalled protections for women remain serious problems.

Kurdistan Arts & Environment: Kurdish artist Rizwan Qadir opened a solo exhibition in Erbil featuring 25 paintings of KRI landscapes, using color to spotlight pollution and environmental damage. Iraq Security: Iraqi forces carried out intelligence-led airstrikes in Kirkuk, destroying an ISIS/Daesh hideout in Wadi Zghitoun and killing militants. Iraq Economy/Finance: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi appointed Ali Alwan as Director of the Trade Bank of Iraq and Bilal al-Hamdani as Executive Director of the Iraq Development Fund to boost efficiency and investment. Regional Tensions: Israel hit Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib with eight strikes, damaging runway and storage; Syria, Turkey, and a US envoy condemned it as escalation. Culture Spotlight: Hayden Panettiere’s death at 36 is being revisited through her work, including the 2004 Navy-set family film “Tiger Cruise.” Sports: Senegal named Patrick Vieira as head coach after World Cup disappointment, with a nod to their earlier 5-0 win over Iraq.

Iraq Economy: Iraq is again debating a long-stalled plan to remove two zeros from the dinar, as budget pressure deepens and Hormuz shipping disruptions squeeze oil revenues. Kurdistan Security: Iraq launched an investigation after two drones hit Iraqi Kurdistan PM Masrour Barzani’s office and the Parastin intelligence chief’s residence in Erbil; Tehran denies involvement and calls it a “false flag,” while Baghdad demands an official Iranian explanation. Energy & Safety: A massive fire at a fuel depot near Sulaimaniyah injured about 20 people and destroyed dozens of tankers, with the cause still unclear. Human Rights: Human Rights Watch says a 22-year-old man detained for drug use died in police custody after being taken from hospital care in Najaf, prompting calls for an independent probe. Entertainment & Sports: Tickets are now on sale for the 27th Gulf Cup in Jeddah (Sept 23–Oct 6), with Iraq listed among the eight teams; meanwhile, Hollywood makeup legend Rick Baker discusses his career, including work on The Exorcist and Star Wars. Media & Culture: A new Iraq-linked film spotlight includes an Iraqi American director’s love-filled project “Pomegranate,” adding to the week’s arts buzz.

Kurdistan Security: Two Iranian-launched drones hit the office of Iraqi Kurdistan PM Masrour Barzani and a Kurdistan security chief residence in Erbil, with no reported casualties; the KRG condemned the attack as a dangerous escalation. Media Freedom: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission barred politician Mishaan al-Jubouri and security expert Ahmed al-Sharifi from appearing on Iraqi media for 90 days over “sectarian and inflammatory” remarks, as press freedom concerns keep mounting. Drugs Crackdown in Anbar: Al-Anbar authorities logged 700 drug suspects since the start of 2026 through August, citing new smuggling methods and the high cost of drug-testing devices. Arts & Culture: Iraqi-American ceramic artist Maryam Yousif’s Habibti figures and clay research are spotlighted, blending Baghdad heritage with contemporary playfulness. Film Festival: Oman’s Dhofar International Film Festival returns for its second edition (6–9 Sept), featuring films including from Iraq. Entertainment on Screen: A war-film perspective shift is discussed in “Once Upon a Time in the Middle East,” focusing on ordinary lives as conflict reshapes daily routines.

Iraq Anti-Graft Push: Iraqi security forces arrested former MP Kadhim al-Sayadi on extortion charges, adding to a wider crackdown that has already swept up senior officials and ministry figures. U.S.-Iran Tensions: A 60-day U.S.-Iran ceasefire window expired with no deal, while Iran’s hard-line leadership reportedly used the pause to prepare for wider conflict. Strait of Hormuz Standoff: Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami warned the U.S. against any move to claim Hormuz as American territory, insisting it will stay Iranian. Bounty Escalation: Hatami also announced a $30,000 reward for killing or capturing U.S. troops, doubling it for women. Carrier Conditions Spotlight: Reports of poor conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln triggered fresh political pressure in Washington, as CENTCOM and Navy officials pushed back on claims while lawmakers demanded oversight. Kurdistan Politics: KDP and PUK leaders plan more talks “away from media attention” as government formation deadlocks continue. Arts & Culture: Iraqi-raised, New York-based artist Bahar Behbahani shared her work and Persian-garden-inspired ideas during a residency and cultural visits in Zimbabwe. Media & Entertainment: Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper” is now streaming on Netflix, spotlighting the Iraq War story behind the film.

Iraq Security & State Control: Iraq says the Popular Mobilization Forces are part of the armed forces and that the push to place weapons under state control will apply beyond Hashd al-Shaabi, as Baghdad presses ahead with its Sept. 30 deadline. Kurdistan Politics: In Erbil, KDP and PUK are set to meet again “in the coming days” after talks held away from media, with government formation still stalled. Kurdistan Under Fire: Three drone attacks were intercepted over Erbil by US-led coalition forces; the Kurdistan Region has faced hundreds of drone and missile strikes since February, underscoring Baghdad’s struggle to rein in Iran-backed proxies. Iraq Anti-Corruption: Iraq’s judiciary seized about $20.34m and 60kg of gold in the Adnan al-Jumaili oil case, plus luxury cars, as investigations continue. Energy & Daily Life: Iraq says August oil exports have rebounded to around 2 million barrels per day, the highest since the Iran war began, while it plans to boost electricity imports and expand generation, transmission, and distribution capacity for 2027. Arts & Culture: An Iraqi-raised, US-based Iranian artist found resonance at DACI’s All Afrika Village, while Egypt’s CIFET experimental theatre festival is set for Sept. 1–8, 2026.

US-Iraq Arts & Culture Lens: While Iraq’s cultural scene keeps moving, this week’s biggest “arts-adjacent” stories are really about media, morale, and public life. Military & Mental Health (Iraq-linked): CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper wrapped a ten-day Middle East tour that included a visit to the USS Abraham Lincoln, amid fresh family reports of sailors attempting to jump overboard and claims of shortages and poor conditions. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Iran’s leadership reshuffle deepened hardline control, while Iran and the US traded competing claims over whether the Hormuz ceasefire can be extended; Qatar also denied holding Iranian pilots. Local Governance & Daily Life: Iraqi PM Zaidi said electricity production and distribution will “double” in 2027, with plans to expand generation and imports. Arts & Entertainment (global, but relevant to Iraq audiences): A concert review highlighted Fred Smith’s war-and-peace storytelling through music, and BBC presenter Clive Myrie discussed how frontline reporting shaped his choice not to have children. Community & Security: Iraq’s interior ministry said 600+ tribal sheikhs cooperated in a weapons registration push.

Electricity Push: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi says electricity production and distribution will “double” in 2027, directing the ministry to keep 30,000MW domestic capacity and buy more power from GE, solar, thermal, and neighboring countries. Regional Security & Courts: Syria and Iraq agree to form joint judicial committees to review ISIS detainee cases transferred from Syrian prisons to Iraq, with regular meetings planned. Media & Culture: A Chinese film set in war-torn Iraq—centered on a chef running a restaurant as a refuge—has boosted box office and sparked food-themed buzz in Wuhan. Tech for Iraq: An explainer looks at what Starlink could mean for connectivity in Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil after Iraq licensed the satellite internet service. Arts/Entertainment Watch: HBO’s “Generation Kill” is highlighted as a Baghdad-set series that ramps tension fast, with no filler. Sports: International chess tournament opens in Erbil.

Iraq Arts & Culture: An Iraqi American director is bringing community stories to the screen with her film Pomegranate, a character-driven drama about an Iraqi Muslim woman navigating life in a Chaldean Christian neighborhood in Michigan, mixing humor, tension, and identity. Media & Tech: Iraq’s connectivity conversation gets a new twist as Starlink’s satellite internet licence opens the door to a different model of access across Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil. Film & Entertainment: A Chinese film set almost entirely inside a restaurant in war-torn Iraq is drawing attention for using everyday food and kindness to explore survival and peace. Arts & Public Life: A World War II memorial vandalism case in Washington, DC, has sparked renewed debate about protecting cultural and historical sites. War & Society (context): Coverage also keeps circling Iraq-linked regional conflict—Hormuz disruptions, drone losses, and new strikes—showing how quickly entertainment and daily life are shaped by security realities.