Livestock & Health: Wasit Governor Ali Salimoun ordered border closures for livestock unless they meet approved veterinary and health requirements to curb Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), as Iraq reports 53 cases and nine deaths so far in 2026. Food Imports & Trade Logistics: A shipment of 44,000 tons of US rice reached Jordan’s Aqaba Port for Iraq despite regional shipping disruptions tied to the Iran war, with Iraq’s food basket distribution continuing under close monitoring. Anti-Drug Enforcement: Iraq dismantled an international Lyrica trafficking network in Baghdad, arresting four suspects including two pharmacists and a foreign national, seizing 33,000+ pills. Iraq–US Cooperation: Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi met US Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris to reaffirm support for diplomacy and expand economic, investment, cultural, and energy cooperation under the Strategic Framework Agreement. Environment & Agriculture: Iraq’s Ministry of Environment says green belts are central to the national strategy against desertification, with decentralized execution by governorates and oversight by the ministry. Industry & Regional Markets: Turkey’s carpet sector is targeting $3.5B in exports for 2026, but says wars and logistics disruptions across key Middle East markets—including Iraq—are weighing on sales. Energy Shock Context: Analysts warn the Iran war has tightened Strait of Hormuz-linked supply chains, keeping energy and shipping costs elevated—an issue that can spill into Iraq’s construction and industrial inputs. Online Economy Scrutiny: A Nineveh content creator was arrested over questions about funding behind social media giveaways, after authorities moved the case to court. Diplomatic Reshuffle: The US named Tom Barrack as Special Envoy to Syria and Iraq, signaling tighter US diplomatic oversight in the region.