Iraq-Turkiye Oil Exports: Iraq’s Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair al-Abbadi traveled to Turkiye to finalize talks and sign an agreement to transport and load Iraqi crude via the Iraq-Turkiye pipeline to Ceyhan, aiming to expand export outlets and protect state revenues as Hormuz disruptions strain global supply chains. Fiscal Strain & Salaries: Iraq’s government admitted difficulty paying salaries on time, with officials warning the state faces worsening fiscal pressure as oil revenue remains the backbone of public spending. Arbaeen Pilgrimage Economy: Iranian pilgrims keep flowing into Iraq for Arbaeen, with reports of millions of foreign arrivals and heavy travel despite regional tensions—supporting local services and commerce around Karbala. Baghdad Housing Pressure: Newlyweds in Baghdad are increasingly moving in with in-laws as rents climb, pushing some families into cramped living arrangements and even makeshift roof rooms. Shipping & Energy Risk: Oil prices edged up after Iran said it stopped tankers trying to exit the Strait of Hormuz, while separate reporting highlights investigations into a drone attack near Egypt’s Damietta port—both raising risks for regional trade routes. Regional War Spillover: Multiple reports say the US-Iran conflict is widening across the Middle East, with Iraq repeatedly cited as a launch and retaliation front, adding uncertainty for business planning and logistics.