Fuel & Refining: Iraq’s Oil Ministry denied plans to export gasoline immediately after bringing an FCC unit online, saying the priority is domestic self-sufficiency first, as regional tensions keep delaying tanker shipments and Baghdad sees long queues. Agriculture: Iraq achieved self-sufficiency in wheat and dates for the 2026 season, with new salt- and stress-tolerant wheat seeds and long-term subsidized irrigation support. Oil Exports & Shipping: TankerTrackers says Iraq’s oil exports fell 36% in August versus pre-war levels amid the US-Iran conflict, while Hormuz disruption continues to reshape regional trade. Trade Disruption: Thai rice shipments to Iraq are being rerouted overland via Jordan and Türkiye as Hormuz-linked shipping disruptions shift routes. Anti-Corruption: Iraq’s Federal Integrity Commission arrested five staff over alleged violations in the renovation of Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in Al-Muthanna, citing cost discrepancies, delays, and stalled equipment. Infrastructure & Transport: KRG says the Erbil–Soran road (Korre–Shaqlawa–Qandil) is 70% complete, targeting an October opening and cutting travel time by 30+ minutes. Security: A leadership change is expected in Kirkuk Operations Command, with Lt. Gen. Ali Fadel Al-Mafraji nominated to take over from Maj. Gen. Maad Badai Al-Daraji. Industry & Energy Finance: The US sanctioned a Turkish bank tied to an Iranian oil-evasion scheme, targeting Ziraat Bankasi’s Dubai branch and affiliates.