The Daily Digest
On August 25, Baghdad insisted that weapons remain under state control, amid reported disputes over the deadline and mechanism for disarming Iraqi factions. Reports the previous day said Iran was pressing Iraq not to disarm armed groups, while an Iraqi government spokesperson said Baghdad was ready to manage national security after US forces leave. Iraq was also coordinating with Germany and Russia before the US-led coalition’s September 30 withdrawal. Separately, today’s Militia Digest details calls on Al-Ahad TV (Asaib Ahl al-Haq — official) for parliament to question PMF Commission chairman Faleh al-Fayyad, without formal endorsement from AAH leadership or its Sadiqoun political wing.
On the economy, Iraq plans to raise crude exports through Turkey’s Ceyhan terminal to 750,000 bpd. The planned increase would expand Iraq’s northern export route as Baghdad separately tests loading options inside the Strait of Hormuz.
A report said Iraq would introduce new banknotes with three zeros removed. Separately, Iraq’s foreign reserves stood at $86.17 billion in June after falling by 11.6%.
In football, Iraq national-team coach Graham Arnold accepted a six-month contract extension. A second report said he rejected a four-year agreement.