Iraq

Middle East reroutes its energy networks as region navigates shifting sands - analysis

Investments in new pipelines and energy products will be a key feature in the new regional order.

Gas flares burn at the Rumaila oil field during an armed patrol by Iraqi Energy Police in Basra, Iraq, June 8, 2026.
HOUTHI TERRORISTS carry weapons as they stand near the site of Israeli airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, in September. Iran has reportedly lost control of the Houthis, the writer notes.

How Houthis militarized Ibb province in Yemen into their armed camp - analysis

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi meets with US Special Presidential Envoy Tom Barrack in Baghdad, Iraq, June 16, 2026.

US envoy Barrack meets Iraq PM, pushes new direction in bilateral ties

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

Syria, Iraq hope for meetings in Washington, seek coordinated visit with US envoy


Drone attack reported in Iraq's Kurdistan region, as US-Iran tensions grow

The attack “caused extensive damage to the building, but no casualties were reported. No party has claimed responsibility so far,” local media reported.

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.

Iraq's PM heads to Washington to discuss militias, business, and gain Trump's support

The US has warmed to Zaidi after opposing former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who almost became prime minister in February.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi delivers a televised address after assuming office, in Baghdad, Iraq May 16, 2026.

Iran threatening Kurdish opposition groups in Iraq as it strikes Israel - analysis

One of Iran’s key strategies for maintaining regional influence is not to lose its hold over Iraq, leading to strikes against Kurdish Iranian opposition groups in Iraq.

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 February 12, 2026.

Israel is fighting on four fronts and has killed everyone who could end it - comment

Three years in, with four fronts still open and everyone who had power in December 2023 killed by Israeli fire, can this war ever end?

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meets with Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, May 17, 2026.

Iraq World Cup star Aymen Hussein detained at Chicago airport, team photographer barred

Hussein was finally allowed in, but the team's photographer was barred from entering the US, said the official, who works for the Iraqi Olympic Committee and has close contacts with the team.

 Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - Inter-Confederation Playoffs - Final - Iraq v Bolivia - Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico - March 31, 2026 Iraq's Aymen Hussein arrives before the match.

The illusion of change in Iraq: Baghdad's militia shake-up masks a deeper Iranian strategy

BEHIND THE LINES: The decision by Zaidan’s allies to integrate their armed elements into state security forces represents an effort by a pro-Iranian element to consolidate its power.

Qais al-Khazali, head of the Iranian-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia in Iraq, speaks during a rally last year in Baghdad to present the Sadiqoon Movement ahead of parliamentary elections.

Iran’s ethnic groups could alter the balance of power - opinion

Iran’s ethnic and religious minorities could play a decisive role in challenging the regime and reshaping the country’s political future.

FOR IRAN’S Christian community, the postwar crackdown has been particularly severe, with at least 50 members detained by authorities. Here, Iranian Christians take part in the New Year prayer ceremony at a church in Tehran last January.

Iraq PM hosts Iranian-backed militias to push disarmament, consolidate state control

Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi met Iranian-backed militias to push them to disarm and join state command, aiming to limit armed group influence while avoiding conflict.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi delivers a televised address after assuming office, in Baghdad, Iraq May 16, 2026.

Iran increases checkpoints in Kurdish region as minority group disproportionally executed

Recent events, including the January demonstrations that were violently suppressed by the regime, have also seen Iran’s Kurdish community disproportionately affected by state violence.

A view shows the outskirts of an Iranian Kurdish military facility north of Erbil, Iraq, on March 11, 2026, after it was struck by an Iranian drone.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq signal move to place weapons under state control amid US pressure

Iraq is at a turning point as militias begin procedures to disengage from the PMF and potentially hand weapons to the government amid US pressure.

A mourner attends the funeral of a commander from Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah armed group who was killed in what they called a "Zionist attack" in the Syrian capital Damascus on Friday, during a funeral in Baghdad, Iraq September 22, 2024.