I think this whole Cessna 172 thing is just rumor, started by people who were just referring to general aviation airplanes as C-172s generically.

I've never seen anything officially that the IZAF had, or was going to train in, 172s. If someone has a message that says this, please post it -- I'd love to see it.

The two iterations I've seen of the "Iraqi UPT" message have always only talked about CH-200s, or that Zel-air airplane...all stuff that looks like they went shopping at OshKosh for their new Air Force.