Iraq diplomatic and security developments

During the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Iraq engaged in significant diplomatic developments with both Turkey and Kuwait.

Regarding security cooperation with Turkey, Iraq and Turkey agreed to a gradual transfer of control of the Baashiqa military base to the Iraqi government. The two nations established a mechanism and timeline for this handover. Additionally, both sides committed to extending Iraqi state authority in Sinjar and ending the presence of prohibited foreign armed elements, with Yazidi armed groups reportedly agreeing to surrender heavy weapons in exchange for integration into official security institutions.

In parallel, Iraq and Kuwait agreed to form a joint working group to address long-standing unresolved issues. This group is tasked with reviewing pending matters and presenting recommendations to the leadership of both countries within 30 days. The group will hold rotating meetings in Baghdad and Kuwait City to foster cooperation. While specific immediate focuses were not disclosed, historical tensions between the nations have included disputes over shared oil fields, land and maritime borders, and the status of persons missing from the Gulf War.

Following a period of suspension due to regional tensions and security developments, the Iraqi Ministry of Transport announced the reopening of air routes between Iraq and Kuwait on October 15, 2026. These operational arrangements were established under the supervision of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and in cooperation with Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Air traffic will be managed through specific flight paths to ensure safety and security standards within Iraqi airspace, with implementation occurring gradually.