Militia Arms Control: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi is moving to bring weapons under state control, but factions are signaling resistance—Saraya Awliya al-Dam says it won’t disarm unless Baghdad guarantees full sovereignty and ends foreign military presence, while other groups have already announced steps to break from the Popular Mobilization Forces. Communications & Telecom: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission suspended Korek Telecom operations and canceled its contract, with the company’s CEO calling the decision “unlawful” and saying it will pursue legal action. Oil & Trade Logistics: With Hormuz disruption and regional tensions, Iraq is pushing alternative export routes and ramping pipeline output, including plans to boost crude exports via Ceyhan as southern output climbs. Forced-Labour Tariffs Watch: The U.S. Trade Representative proposed Section 301 duties on imports from 60 economies over forced-labour enforcement failures, explicitly listing Iraq among the countries flagged. Security & Shipping Risk: Reports claim IRGC-linked attacks on MSC vessels near Iraq, raising risks for maritime trade and insurance costs in the Gulf. Regional Repression: Bahrain arrested 20 figures including Shia scholars and banned Shia pilgrimages to Iraq and Iran ahead of Muharram, underscoring wider sectarian pressure across the region.