AGP Executive Report

Iraq Sovereignty Days: Iraq marked the end of the US-led Coalition mission with “Sovereignty Days” (Sept. 30–Oct. 3), but officials warn sovereignty is incomplete until weapons are brought under state control. Security Transition: Iraq’s FM says a weapons-control plan will be unveiled soon, with timelines aimed at June 2027, as factions resist disarmament and Kurdish forces brace for a new security reality after US withdrawal. Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye announced a phased handover of the Bashika-Zilkan base to Iraq, while also pledging continued security support in Sinjar. Tech & Innovation (Iraq): Iraq’s “Ibda’ Club for Smart Skills” won first place at the 17th Arab Robotics and AI Championship in Alexandria, scoring a third straight continental title. AI/Robotics (Global): US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled plans for a new “Autonomous Warfare Command” to speed up AI and robotic systems, targeting operational rollout by Oct. 2027. Science: New genetic research identifies the Arabian Sea humpback as a distinct subspecies, adding to deep-sea biodiversity knowledge.

Iraq Sovereignty Shift: The U.S. has completed its withdrawal from Iraq, ending the coalition anti-ISIS mission and handing security responsibility back to Iraqi forces, while Baghdad says the fight against terrorism continues and tech-enabled cooperation will remain. UK Support: The UK pledged continued security backing for Iraq, citing training and air support under Operation SHADER and a new long-term defense partnership. AI in Defense: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new Autonomous Warfare Command focused on AI, robotics, and autonomous weapons, plus a push to speed up drone and counter-drone development. Hormuz Pressure: Iran says it received a U.S. counterproposal on a seven-day ceasefire and phased Strait of Hormuz reopening, as Trump signals a hard choice between a deal or escalation. Enterprise AI in Iraq Region: Google Cloud’s regional lead for Iraq highlighted the need to connect unstructured corporate data so autonomous AI agents can actually understand operations, alongside local infrastructure expansion. Aviation Incident: A Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv reportedly faced an attempted attack after a pilot stabbed a fellow pilot, with the aircraft landing safely in Saudi Arabia.

Iraq Security Transition: Iraq formally marked “Sovereignty Day” as the US-led coalition ended its ISIS mission, with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi saying Iraqi forces will take full responsibility while counter-terror cooperation continues via intelligence, training, expertise and technology. Kurdistan Air-Defense Worry: As coalition troops leave, Erbil faces an air-defense gap after drone strikes hit Azadi Camp in Koya, spotlighting who will protect KRI skies next. Armed Groups Reshuffle: Muqtada al-Sadr dissolved the Promised Day Brigade and ordered it converted into a charitable organization, while also calling for weapons to stay under state control and demanding US compensation. Tech & Industry in Iraq: Kurdistan Region PM Masrour Barzani backed Toyota projects in Erbil as a way to bring global expertise and jobs for youth. AI Development Push: CoreWeave launched CoreWeave Forge to help teams build and improve AI models and agents in one connected workflow, aiming to speed up production and evaluation. Aviation/Engineering Note: Iran Air’s A319 returned to service after in-house engine repairs and testing, including work tied to a prior grounding for engine issues.

Iraq-US Security Shift: The last U.S. troops left Iraq as Operation Inherent Resolve ends, but Iraqi officials warn the vacuum could let ISIS and Iran-backed factions regroup. Iran Influence & Politics: Iran celebrated the pullout and pushed an IRGC open letter urging Americans to vote out Trump allies in Congress, while analysts say U.S. retreat removes a key check on Tehran’s sway in Iraq. State Authority in Iraq: Baghdad is still trying to rein in militias under a sovereignty push, with “Sovereignty Days” marking the withdrawal and a plan to move from military cooperation to economic ties. Sanctions Pressure: The U.S. hit 10 individuals and entities tied to Iran’s Defense Ministry procurement, including firms across China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and Turkey, as Iraq prepares limited Iran flight exemptions for pilgrims. Tech & Business in Iraq: ORA Iraq signed CRC Dorra for Phase One of Madinat Al Ward, and Iraq showcased its innovation push at LEAP 2026 with a unified pavilion spanning AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and smart solutions.

Iraq-Higher Education: Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government agreed to more than double reciprocal university admissions for the next academic year, boosting undergraduate seats from 400 to 1,000 and postgraduate places from 100 to 250. Smart Ports: Iraq’s Ministry of Transport met Huawei and Uruk Engineering Services to explore smart port technology and digital logistics, with a Huawei team set to visit Iraq’s maritime transport directorate. Archaeology Under Pressure: Two prominent Iraqi archaeologists were arrested amid backlash over alleged corruption at the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, raising fears of retaliation against drone survey work. Finance & Markets: The Iraq Stock Exchange went live on ADX’s Tabadul platform, linking investors across regional exchanges for cross-market trading and settlement. Automation & AI Testing: QualityKiosk Technologies won a UiPath 2026 Partner of the Year award for agentic testing. Energy & Tech: SLB OneSubsea secured a major subsea systems contract for ExxonMobil’s Rovuma LNG phase in Mozambique. Science & Culture: Mathaf announced an exhibition on the Baghdad Modern Art Group, running Oct 25, 2026–Feb 6, 2027. Marine Science: A genetic study confirmed a distinct Arabian Sea humpback whale subspecies.

Smart Ports & Industry: Iraq’s Ministry of Transport met Huawei and Uruk Engineering to explore smart port tech and digital logistics, with a follow-up Huawei team set to assess Iraq’s maritime transport needs. Local Manufacturing Push: Iraq’s National Investment Commission discussed a Swiss-backed integrated complex to manufacture and test high-voltage transformers, switching systems, and semiconductor devices. AI Regulation Draft: Public consultation opened on Iraq’s draft AI regulation, signaling a new push to set rules for emerging tech. Security & War Spillover: Analysts say the U.S. coalition mission in Iraq is ending, but Iraq remains the most exposed battleground as regional violence moves across multiple fronts. Social Media Fraud: A growing market for buying social media accounts is leaving Iraqi buyers out of pocket, with legal gaps making enforcement tricky. Oil & Tech Markets: Strait of Hormuz traffic remains low, oil prices jump, and investors react—reshaping tech investment expectations amid U.S.-Iran diplomacy. Biotech Watch: A new study warns that synthetic biology plus AI could lower barriers for next-gen bioweapon threats, raising global vigilance needs.

AI Regulation in Iraq: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission opened public consultation on a draft regulatory framework for AI services, covering data protection, security, transparency, and support for innovation (comments due within 30 days from Sept. 23). Higher Education Governance: Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government reached a preliminary deal to establish Khanaqin University under federal authority, with the university president required to be from Khanaqin and current admissions continuing until formal steps finish. Energy & Industry Tech: Basra’s 4th International Exhibition for Oil, Gas, Energy and Petrochemicals wrapped up with about 300 companies from 18 countries, highlighting AI-driven exploration tools, asset integrity services, and third-party engineering certification (TÜV Rheinland). Smart City Waste Tech: Iraq rolled out its first smart pneumatic waste collection system with Spanish backing, aiming to modernize municipal services. Archaeology Under Pressure: A new study says Syrian archaeologists rescued about 30,000 artifacts from the Deir ez-Zor Museum during ISIS threats, stressing how wartime heritage protection depends on fast decisions and institutional resilience. Regional Mobility Hit by Sanctions: US sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector are disrupting flights, pushing travelers toward overland routes and raising risks for Iraqi-Iran air links. KRI Tech & Transport: KRI launched a biometric traffic system, moving toward more automated identity checks in road management.

AI Regulation: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission opened public consultation on a draft AI services regulatory framework, covering data protection, security, transparency, and support for innovation, with comments due within 30 days from Sept. 23. Sanitation Tech: Iraq launched its first smart pneumatic waste collection system, starting in Karbala across 17 areas, using underground vacuum networks to cut curbside dumping and heavy collection traffic, with Spanish-backed URD support. Digital Infrastructure: Iraq’s Ministry of Communications unveiled plans for distributed enterprise data centers in Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul to localize hosting for global tech firms and boost e-governance and cloud services. Transport & IDs: KRI rolled out a biometric traffic system in Erbil for remote vehicle registration and ownership transfers, with electronic contracts and new security-enhanced registration cards. Education & Research: Baghdad and Erbil agreed on establishing Khanaqin University under federal authority, while Duhok excavations at a 16th-century caravanserai in Akre uncovered pottery and artifacts with restoration planned. Regional Pressure on Aviation: Baghdad is seeking US sanctions exemptions to restore civilian Iran flights as Iraqi airports face warnings over servicing sanctioned Iranian airlines.

Iraq Smart Cities & Waste Tech: Iraq launched its first smart automated pneumatic waste collection system, using underground vacuum networks to move waste from homes to transfer stations, with Karbala rolling it out in 17 areas and Spanish-backed URD support. Iraq Digital Infrastructure: Iraq’s Communications Ministry unveiled a plan for distributed enterprise data centers across Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul to boost digital transformation and localize hosting for global firms. Kurdistan Mobility Tech: KRI launched a biometric traffic system in Erbil so residents can register vehicles and transfer ownership electronically, with new secure cards and a longer 90-day deadline. Regional Security & Tech Posture: Iran warned it will respond to any renewed attack on Tehran with “more powerful, larger and more precise” strikes and new military technologies, while broader nuclear-power flashpoint concerns kept rising. Gulf Navigation Pressure: Saudi officials urged UN action to protect freedom of navigation through key waterways like Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab, rejecting transit fees or restrictions. Iraq Politics on the Street: Baghdad braces for five days of protests tied to public-sector jobs, education and employment demands, and legal rights.

Smart Cities in Iraq: Iraq has launched its first smart waste collection system in Karbala, using an underground network to move waste from homes to transfer stations, with Spanish support and a push to cut pollution and emissions. Public Protests & Policy Pressure: Baghdad is bracing for five days of protests starting Sunday, with demonstrations tied to public-sector jobs, university admission rules, education and employment demands, and delays in grants and appointments. Healthcare Tech & Access: Kurdistan Region reported major savings from drug price cuts (over $229M saved across 2024–H1 2026) and is expanding electronic pharmacy systems for official pricing and complaint reporting, alongside new cancer hospital capacity in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. Iraq–US Sanctions & Aviation: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi met Donald Trump at UNGA week as Baghdad seeks humanitarian exemptions from U.S. sanctions that disrupted Iranian airline service to Iraqi airports. Iraq’s Security Politics: A new report highlights how Iraq’s political parties often overlap with armed factions, complicating efforts to keep weapons under state control. Local Industry & Tech Transfer: Plans are underway for an Indian-backed pipe manufacturing complex in Basra, aiming to produce oil, gas, and water pipelines and bring in technical expertise. Research Spotlight: Iraqi researchers reported plant-based zinc oxide nanoparticles that can kill MRSA and reduce its ability to stick to human tissue.

Defense Tech: Iran says it upgraded its Arash loitering drone and reconfigured capabilities to hit targets more effectively while forcing opponents to operate farther away. Biotech & Health: Al-Nahrain University researchers report plant-made zinc oxide nanoparticles (from Dodonaea viscosa leaves) that both kill MRSA and reduce its ability to stick to human tissue—an anti-resistance angle. Public Health Research: A Jordan post-COVID review tracks how dietary supplement use shifted years after the pandemic, linking behaviors and perceptions to predictors of change. Security & AI: Interpol’s “Operation Shams II” used AI to extract and deduplicate face biometrics from jihadist content, creating a dataset that helped identify 126 suspects; Iraq’s Interpol bureau contributed data. Iraq Economy: Iraq’s oil war shock is hitting hard—officials cite major losses in oil revenues and knock-on effects on imports and supply chains. Local Tech/Industry: Iraq and Oman signed an anti-corruption cooperation MoU, aiming to strengthen governance and transparency. STEM/Space & Drones: Reports highlight cheaper long-range cruise missile programs and drone navigation without GPS, pointing to a fast-moving shift toward lower-cost strike systems.

Defense Tech: Iran says it has reconfigured and upgraded its Arash loitering drone to hit more effectively, forcing opponents to operate farther away and relying on low-cost drones and missiles to pressure expensive stockpiles. Geopolitics & Tech: A new report claims Chinese satellite intelligence is helping Iran improve targeting of U.S. bases, including precision enabled by geospatial data. Iraq & Security: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns Iraq’s armed factions risk “Balkanization,” tying disarmament to state survival ahead of the Sept. 30 coalition mission end. Iraq Development: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi told the UNGA that Iraq aims to rise from conflict through economic and financial reform, pushing energy, industry, agriculture, transport, and technology investment. AI & Safety: Interpol says it used AI-driven face biometrics from online jihadist content to build a dataset of unique suspect images and already identified 126 terrorists, with Baghdad’s bureau contributing additional data. Aviation Sanctions Impact: The UAE suspended flights by Iranian airlines after U.S. sanctions tightened, cutting off major transit routes via Dubai and Sharjah.

Iraq–Oman Anti-Corruption: Iraq and Oman signed an anti-corruption cooperation MoU in Doha, focusing on integrity promotion, information sharing, complaint handling, asset recovery, and training. AI & Cybersecurity in the Region: Google Cloud’s Qatar/Oman/Bahrain/Iraq lead says AI rollouts must come with stronger security, better data control, and investment in AI skills as organizations scale. Space Tech in Focus: Planet Labs’ Pelican-12 satellite has arrived at Cape Canaveral for a SpaceX rideshare launch, aiming for faster data delivery and improved imaging. Iran–US Targeting Upgrade: Reports say Chinese satellite and geospatial support helped Iran improve precision strikes and ship tracking around the Strait of Hormuz, with Russia also possibly involved. Energy Logistics Pressure: Gulf of Oman ship-to-ship transfers hit capacity as Saudi boosts exports via Hormuz after Red Sea disruptions, pushing up tanker demand and shipping costs. Carbon Capture Spotlight: Iran’s Carbon Bared reached finalist status for a CO2 recovery and utilization project at Tehran’s oil refinery in the 2026 WPC Energy Excellence Awards. Iraq Tech/Research: Iraq’s University of Technology explores academic partnerships in Spain.

Iraq Energy & Industry: Iraq’s Oil, Gas and Energy Exhibition opened in Basra with about 300 firms from 18 countries, showcasing new equipment and services and linking students with real-world petroleum tech. Anti-Corruption Cooperation: Iraq and Oman signed a MoU in Doha to expand corruption-fighting work, including information sharing, legal help, asset recovery, training, and even scientific research publication. Digital Rights & Media: A Shafaq News report says Iraq’s digital media scene is widening the gap between copyright laws and enforcement, with copy-and-paste republication harming journalism economics and ethics. Education & Research Links: In Erbil, the Rwanga Foundation and the French Institute discussed education, culture, and research cooperation, including exchange programs and archaeology/history study opportunities. STEM Leadership Programs: The Rwanga-linked theme of regional talent continues as Zayed Education Foundation selected 50 Ruwwad Zayed scholars from 950+ applicants, with tracks including AI, data science, public health, and governance. Regional Security Talk: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iraq against “Balkanisation” unless armed groups are brought under state control.

Anti-Corruption Tech & Governance: Iraq and Oman signed an MoU in Doha to expand cooperation against corruption, including information sharing, legal help, asset recovery, training, and even exchanging scientific research for academic publication. AI & Research Recognition: Qatar University won the Academic AI and Research Excellence Award at the Google Cloud Summit 2026, highlighting Gemini Enterprise adoption and a Spark AI Innovation Hub for research and education. Iraq’s Tech/Science Footprint: A University of Kufa delegation conferred an honorary doctorate on Dawoodi Bohra leader Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, underscoring Iraq’s academic diplomacy and cultural preservation. Energy & Regional Tech Impact: Oil prices moved on shifting Iran–US diplomacy signals, with talk of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting blockade measures—key for regional logistics and tech-enabled energy supply chains. Basra Heritage Under Strain: A Basra shrine tied to Anas ibn Malik is reportedly facing neglect, pushing calls for urgent maintenance to protect Iraq’s cultural and historical assets.

Iraq-US Influence Debate: A new analysis argues that if U.S. troops leave Iraq by Sept. 30, Washington should shift from occupation-style control to influence via finance, banking, sanctions, energy deals, intel, and investment—while avoiding a “disarm everyone” push that could spark civil war. Oil & Investment: Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi met ExxonMobil and HKN Energy in New York, urging faster project execution and more output, and signaling a Baghdad energy conference for new exploration blocks. Militia Disarmament Timeline: Zaidi reiterated militia disarmament is delayed—starting Sept. 30 and stretching to end-June 2027—amid resistance and limited state capacity. Regional Tech/AI Spotlight: Qatar University won an Academic AI and Research Excellence Award at the Google Cloud Summit 2026, citing Gemini Enterprise and its Spark AI Research Hub. Energy Markets: Oil slipped near two-week lows as diplomacy hopes rose, while diesel refining margins hit record highs amid talk of U.S. diesel export restrictions. Urban Planning in Kurdistan: Erbil’s updated master plan (2025–2050) was presented, with development mapped across sectors including water, sanitation, roads, and education. Aviation Safety Story: A reminder of the 2003 DHL missile strike near Baghdad and how the crew managed a safe emergency landing—an incident that shaped later conflict-zone landing practices.