Strait of Hormuz & Iraq diplomacy: Iraq’s FM Fuad Hussein met Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy in Cairo to push dialogue and reduce escalation, warning that Hormuz navigation disruptions could hit Arab economies, including Iraq. Oil infrastructure & refining: Iraq and Turkey agreed on a joint oil refinery in Ceyhan as part of a broader pipeline deal, aiming to process Iraqi crude and boost refined exports to Europe. Oil sector jobs: Iraq’s Oil Minister asked the Council of Ministers to approve hiring for petroleum institute graduates and permanent appointments for contract and daily-wage workers at state oil companies, after protests by graduates in Baghdad and Basra. Kirkuk governance in oil: Kurdish lawmakers urged Iraq’s oil ministry to intervene over alleged unfair management practices at North Oil Company, threatening legal and parliamentary oversight. Urban enforcement sparks backlash: Baghdad urged to freeze housing enforcement campaigns as demolition/removal of homes on agricultural land faces deadly clashes and residents challenge the legality of property clearances. Environment & public health: Aynda warned of worsening air pollution across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, citing unregulated refineries, vehicle emissions, generators, and waste burning. Basic services in KRI: Tafga residents in Sulaymaniyah reported severe water, road, and heating-fuel shortages worsening as winter nears. ISIS crackdown in KRI: Counter-terrorism forces in Bazian arrested an ISIS logistics and support suspect linked to operations after fleeing to Syria and returning to Iraq. OPEC+ keeps quotas steady: OPEC+ producers, including Iraq, agreed to hold October quotas at September levels as Hormuz disruption and regional uncertainty continue to shape supply.