Arbaeen Travel Watch: First Bahraini pilgrims reached Najaf ahead of the Aug. 4 Arbaeen pilgrimage, after Bahrain approved travel with conditions like air-route limits and an age cap of 50+—a move that’s already sparked debate among would-be visitors. Pilgrimage Logistics in Iraq: Iraq is ramping up for record turnout, with officials saying millions are entering the country and Karbala’s telecom network is using AI forecasting to handle a projected 135% traffic surge during the peak. Security & Travel Alerts: With US-Iran tensions high, US embassies in Iraq and across the region urged Americans to consider departing or be ready to leave, warning of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Iraq-Turkey Energy: Turkey and Iraq signed a one-year pipeline transit arrangement for at least 750,000 barrels per day through the Ceyhan route while they negotiate a longer-term energy deal. Markets: Trading on the Iraq Stock Exchange slowed sharply, with weekly transaction value down more than 63%, as some shares failed to match orders and others stayed suspended. Regional Politics: Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani is set to meet Syria’s interim leader in Damascus to discuss ties and Kurdish-SDF integration after Syria’s political transition. Iran War Diplomacy: Trump said the US will pause new Iran strikes if deal parameters are met, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz—while Iran denied any claim that talks are already underway.