Heritage & Tourism: Iraq has started restoration work on the 3,400-year-old Kassite temples of Aqarquf (Aqar Quf) west of Baghdad, with an Italian archaeological delegation helping repair weathered brick and mud-brick walls and reinforce cracks to protect the site’s original character. Oil Policy: OPEC+ kept October production unchanged after pausing recent output hikes, with Iraq among the core members; the cartel said it will keep monthly market reviews, as Strait of Hormuz disruptions continue to cloud supply. Kirkuk Energy Update: North Oil Company denied claims of a gas leak at the Bai Hassan field, saying operations and production are normal. Local Security & Fuel Access: A Kirkuk Oil Products Distribution official was reportedly taken by an unidentified force after stopping a woman for bypassing a fuel queue, with no official explanation yet. Banking Stability: Central Bank of Iraq governor Nizar Nasser Hussein said most depositors’ funds at Al-Taif Islamic Bank are guaranteed and CBI will intervene if needed, as the bank prepares to return funds after a CBI-appointed committee took control. Public Health & Prices: Parliament formed a temporary committee to tackle soaring medicine prices and pharmacy exploitation, including moves to improve prescription clarity and stop doctors from steering patients to specific pharmacies. Infrastructure Spending: Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi ordered 30 billion dinars for Al-Diwaniyah Stadium construction, released in installments based on completion rates. Trade Routes: Iraq is moving to export Basra crude via Syria by land to Baniyas, with SOMO in talks to ship crude by tanker trucks for storage and onward sales. Regional Connectivity: Kurdistan Region was named a finalist at the UAE’s 2026 AIM Investment Awards, highlighting its push to attract foreign investment. Digital Access: Iraq authorized Starlink earlier this year, and legal sales in nearby UAE are expected to ease terminal supply and pricing pressures in the region.