Iraq
UAE taking advantage of long-term global energy needs by leaving OPEC - analysis
“At a pivotal moment in the process of supporting the stability of global energy markets, the UAE adopted a long-term strategic and economic vision,” one report says.
Israel and Kurdistan: Regional collapse reshapes the Middle East map - opinion
Iraq names little-known banker Ali al-Zaidi as PM after five-month deadlock
US offers $10 million for information about three Iraqi militia leaders
Why the US is standing up to Iranian-backed militias in Iraq - analysis
The US-Iran talks are now tied to wider regional issues. For instance, Iran wanted a ceasefire in Lebanon. The US wants to see Iranian support for proxies ended.
US halts dollar shipments to Iraq, freezes military aid over militia concerns
The US has halted $500M in dollar shipments to Iraq and frozen military cooperation programs, demanding Baghdad dismantle Iranian-backed militias in response to militia attacks.
Iraq political factions fail to agree on prime minister as US pressure mounts
It has been five months since Iraq had an election in November, 2025. However, the parties can’t agree on a prime minister.
Iran’s poisoned chalice: can economic pressure end the regime? - opinion
The poisoned chalice is not forced; it is chosen when there is no other option left.
Iran's IRGC Quds Force head Qaani visits Baghdad, meets Shi'ite political, militia leaders - report
Iran's Quds Force head Esmail Qaani visited Baghdad to discuss Iraq's next prime minister and the future of Shi'ite militias amid US sanctions.
From Erbil to Rojhilat: A new Kurdish political alignment emerges - opinion
After decades of fragmentation, Iranian Kurdish groups form a new coalition with strategic implications for the region.
US Treasury goes after Iranian-backed militias in Iraq
Several days ago, the US State Department’s Rewards for Justice program announced a $10 million reward for information on Ahmad al-Hamidawi, the leader of the militia Kataib Hezbollah.
Iraq turns to Syria for oil exports after Hormuz disruptions from US blockade
Iraq is rerouting oil exports through Syria’s Baniyas terminal as its maritime oil shipments face disruptions due to the Iranian and US blockades of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian-backed drone attack kills Kurdish female member of opposition group
A Kurdish woman was killed in a drone strike in northern Iraq, suspected to be carried out by an Iran-backed militia targeting opposition groups.
US State Dept. offers $10m. reward for Hamidawi, leader of Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia
The US State Department offered up to $10 million for information on Ahmad al-Hamidawi, leader of Kataib Hezbollah, responsible for deadly attacks on US facilities and the kidnapping of US citizens.