Iraq

Israel built second secret military base in Iraqi desert, officials say - report

The report comes a week after the Wall Street Journal reported on a first secret military base Israel had built in a remote part of the Iraqi desert.

A view of the Iraqi Desert.
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi pictured with Qasem Soleimani in a photo from Saadi’s social media.

US arrests Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah commander wanted for plots against Jews, US interests

Iranian Kurdish fighters from the Kurdistan Freedom Party, known as PAK take part in a training session at a base on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq.

Justice in Baghdad: Iraq convicts notorious Saddam Hussein-era torturer

A boy holds an Iraqi flag near the Iranian embassy during a gathering following the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, in Baghdad, Iraq, April 8, 2026.

Iraq sought financial assistance from International Monetary Fund as result of Iran war


Teenage girl murdered after refusing arranged marriage to cousin, Iraqi women’s rights group claims

The murder was reportedly carried out under the justification of “washing shame,” a term associated with honor killing.

A young Iraqi girl who has reached the age of wearing a hijab, is clothed in the head covering worn by many Muslim women for the first time during a ceremony organised at the Basra International Stadium in Iraq's southern city of Basra on December 11, 2025.

White House denies reports of visa issues for Iraq’s World Cup team

The White House has refuted rumors that Iraq's national team players were denied US visas, confirming they are on track for the World Cup with all players cleared to travel.

 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Preview, Doha, Qatar - November 18, 2022 The FIFA World Cup logo is pictured on the Corniche Promenade ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Saudi airstrikes targeted militias in Iraq during war with Iran

Saudi warplanes reportedly struck Iran-backed militias in Iraq, targeting key sites as tensions escalated in the Gulf region during the ongoing conflict.

Saudi Royal Air Force fighter jets perform a fly-by during Saudi Arabia's 95th National Day celebrations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 23, 2025.

Iraq downplays reports of ‘secret’ Israeli base, while sending troops to find it - analysis

Iraq’s army is now being told to “defend” the desert and the homeland so that “Iraq will not be a launchpad or arena for aggression against neighboring countries.”

A member of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) rides in a military vehicle next to a flag during a parade marking the eighth anniversary of defeating Islamic State militants, in Baghdad, Iraq December 10, 2025.

Iranian-backed militias search Iraq for 'Zionist-American' base in show of force - analysis

Reports of a secret Israeli base in Iraq have now led Baghdad to feel it must do something and stage a show of force, resulting in Iranian-backed militias sending forces to southern Iraq.

Members of the Popular Mobilization Forces stand guard at a military base near the Iraqi-Syrian border in Al-Qaim, west of Iraq on January 23, 2026.

Iraqi PM-designate caught between US endorsement, militia violence - report

The endorsement is contingent on Ali al-Zaidi excluding Iran-backed militias from his potential government, a move that could prompt those militias to fight back.

New Iraqi Prime Minister designate Ali al-Zaidi, uses a phone at his office in Baghdad, Iraq, April 28, 2026.

Iraqi media shocked by reports of secret Israeli base as Baghdad hits critical juncture - analysis

Reports that Iraq’s sovereignty may have been undermined by a foreign force operating in the desert will cause controversy in Baghdad.

An aerial view shows camels wondering in the Samawa desert, midway between the Iraqi capital Baghdad and the southern city of Basra on February 14, 2026.

Israel reportedly operates covert base in Iraq during Iran campaign

A secret Israeli outpost in Iraq allegedly supported airstrikes on Iran and stayed hidden until an Iraqi patrol came dangerously close.

Smoke rises following an airstrike on a Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) headquarters at Kirkuk International Airport, in Kirkuk, Iraq, March 28, 2026.

'Historic, unprecedented': IDF, US ran covert rescue operations from Iraq during Iran war

IDF special forces rescue units had been clandestinely placed in Iraq in order to have the capability to jump into action to rescue any IDF pilots who might crash-land if they were shot down.

Israel Air Force fighter jets participate in a Remembrance Day flyover, April 2026.

Iranian regime relying on foreign militias to bolster security efforts, suppress protests - report

Iran’s government has not officially acknowledged the role of these foreign militias.

A member of Iranian militia forces (Basij) gestures during an anti-Israeli march in Tehran, Iran, January 10, 2025; illustrative.