Iraq–Iran Banking Reset: Iraq and Iran’s central banks met in Baghdad to ease banking restrictions, speed access to funds held in Iraqi banks, and simplify transfers for Iranian traders and exporters—aiming to unlock more engineering, finance, and development contracting cooperation. Kirkuk–Tripoli Pipeline Talks: Lebanese officials in Beirut met an Iraqi delegation to revive the historic Kirkuk–Tripoli oil pipeline, with Lebanon preparing to act as a storage and re-export hub; the plan includes border upgrades, road works for tanker traffic, and safety standards to diversify Iraq’s export routes away from Hormuz. Electricity Workforce Literacy Drive: Iraq’s Education Ministry and Electricity Ministry launched a “When Energy Meets Knowledge” push for about 20,000 employees lacking formal qualifications, using placement tests and literacy levels toward primary certificates. Halfaya Gas Processing Boost: Iraq’s Halfaya oilfield is processing around 190 million standard cubic feet of associated gas per day to feed Maysan power plants and support the national grid, with a stated goal to end flaring nationwide by 2029. Kurdistan Security Shock: Iraq requested clarification from Tehran after Iranian drones hit the residence and office of KRG PM Masrour Barzani, raising fears of further escalation in the region.