Private-Sector Investment Push: Iraq’s planning ministry says the 2024-2028 development plan expects nearly $65bn in private investment, targeting water, sewage, roads, electricity, energy, gas, housing, reconstruction, municipal services, health, education, food security, agriculture, transport and communications, plus big projects like the Development Road and Grand Faw Port. Archaeology Protection in Saladin: A Tikrit corniche project east of the city will not affect the nearby Tell Hatra archaeological mound, Iraq’s antiquities department says, calling social-media claims inaccurate and stressing ongoing monitoring of licensed development. Shipping Shock Near Umm Qasr: A cargo ship was hit in the Arabian Gulf near Iraq; UKMTO reported impacts and a large explosion southeast of Umm Qasr, while Iran’s IRGC claimed it targeted MSC Sariska V with a cruise missile. Energy Market Spillover: Oil prices jumped after reports of stalled US-Iran talks and threats to disrupt Hormuz and other shipping routes, underscoring how regional tensions are feeding directly into Iraq’s import and logistics costs. Basra’s Security-Trade Link: Basra’s militia influence and its role as Iraq’s Gulf outlet keep local politics tightly tied to regional strikes, with border areas used for attacks and drone/rocket launches.