Iraq
Iran temporarily closes Strait of Hormuz due to 'security precautions,' shipping safety
According to Fars, the IRGC Navy commander declared that, "The weapon that reaches the battlefield on the day of war is different from what is displayed in exercises."
Thirty-four Australians released from a camp holding families of suspected ISIS terrorists in Syria
Moving suspected ISIS prisoners to Iraq shows Washington doesn’t fully trust Damascus, expert says
Iraq's Kurds emerge as Middle East's key diplomatic players at Munich Security Council - analysis
Kurdish PM Barzani meets with Egypt's Sisi to discuss Middle East stability, trade deals
Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo. Both the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Egypt play important roles in the region.
Secret Iranian underground base supposedly revealed in new footage from Syria
For years, the base was the subject of interest because it had an entrance to a large underground tunnel and was likely being used by the IRGC to transfer weapons via Syria to Hezbollah.
United Nations General Assembly elects former Iraqi President to lead UN refugee agency
Salih will begin a five-year term on January 1, 2026.
Kurds mark Kurdistan flag day with calls for unity, freedom
Kurdish communities across the globe honored their national symbol on Wednesday, reflecting on decades of struggle, pride, and the ongoing fight for autonomy.
'Now a normal country': UN set to end Iraq mission UNAMI after two decades
The UN will close its assistance mission in Iraq after more than two decades, ending a presence launched following the 2003 US invasion, as Baghdad says it is now self-reliant.
Iran-backed militias reassert power in Iraq, proving the Islamic axis is still standing
BEHIND THE LINES: Despite setbacks, Iraq’s Iranian-backed militias continue to thrive politically, posing a lasting threat to Israel’s security.
Iraq must free itself from Iran or risk losing US aid, Congressman Joe Wilson warns
The Congressman shared, “Iraq has an opportunity to thrive if it changes its behaviour. Congress is ready to back up President Trump with new provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act."
Iran 'paid heavy price' for supporting proxies, Palestinians, ex-FM Zarif says at Doha Forum
Zarif argued that Jerusalem misread Iran’s staying power when the fighting resumed earlier this year. “The Israelis launched this aggression based on mistaken assumptions,” he said.
Drones hit Iraq's Khor Mor gas field, Baghdad deploys air defense in Kurdish region
This reflects a longstanding paradox in Iraq, a country with vast oil reserves that should be able to cover its electricity needs.
Controversy and confusion in Iraq over attempt to freeze assets of Hezbollah, Houthis - analysis
A list reporting that Iraq had approved the freezing of Hezbollah and Houthi funds was reportedly mistakenly published before revision.