Al-Zaidi

Syria, Iraq stir hope despite memories of war with resumption of Shiite pilgrimages- analysis

The prospect of renewed activity has also revived concerns among Syrians who remember the involvement of Iran-backed armed groups in the country's civil war.

Shiite muslim pilgrims hold portraits of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah (R), Imam Ali (C) and depiction of Sayyida Zaynab bint Ali ibn Abi Talib (L) as they march to the shrine city of Karbala ahead of commemorations for Arbaeen on July 19, 2026.
Iraqi Prime Minister and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi chairs the Ministerial Council for National Security for an emergency meeting, to discuss the latest security developments and the attack carried out by the US and Saudi air forces, Baghdad, Iraq, July 29, 2026.

Iraqi PM al-Zaidi arrives in Syria in landmark post-Assad summit on security, trade - analysis

Iraqi security forces stand at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after Iraq closed the crossing following airstrikes on the Iranian side that security sources said killed an Iraqi citizen, Iraq, April 4, 2026.

Tensions continue to mount as Iraq balances the Iran border crossing closures with national needs

Iraqi security forces stand at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after Iraq closed the crossing following airstrikes on the Iranian side that security sources said killed an Iraqi citizen, Iraq, April 4, 2026.

Iraq's government struggling amid threats of rebellion, protests, rising Iran tensions - analysis


Iraqi PM orders investigation into provincial council threats over closed Iran border crossing

Authorities closed the crossing last week as they upgraded security and detection equipment, an Iraqi official told Reuters on Wednesday.

Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (C) looks on during the family photo during the 52nd session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad on October 17, 2026.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq accuse US of violating airspace, as threats grow - analysis

On October 24, the US Embassy in Iraq published an update to the State Department's travel advisory, noting there is a risk of terrorist violence.

Two US Air Force A-10 Warthog aircraft patrol the skies over the Middle East, October 24, 2026; Illustrative.

Iraq closes southern border crossing with Iran amid US pressure on Baghdad

Iraq is in the spotlight because Iran continues to pressure Iraq to expel Kurdish Iranian opposition groups. The US is pressuring Iraq to rein in Iranian-backed militias.

Iraqi security forces stand at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after Iraq closed the crossing following airstrikes on the Iranian side that security sources said killed an Iraqi citizen, Iraq, April 4, 2026.

Despite US sanctions on Iranian flights, up to forty a day may still fly to Iraq’s Najaf - analysis

Iraq has become central to Iran's strategic chessboard in the region as Tehran seeks to expand its influence while navigating increasing US sanctions.

Demonstrators gather outside the Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf International Airport in Najaf on September 28, 2026, demanding the facility to be reopened for flights from Iran.

Joy mixed with fear as US forces leave Iraq amid potential security vacuum

Some Iraqi security officials say the US pullout also risks giving new life to ISIS fighters, who, despite the defeat of their self-proclaimed caliphate nearly a decade ago, retain a cell network.

A member of the Iraqi security forces, flashes the victory sign during a military parade marking the withdrawal of the US-led coalition from Iraq, in Baghdad on September 30, 2026.

The Iraq-Syria border is becoming the Middle East's most important new energy corridor - analysis

Syria continues to grow as an energy hub for Iraq amid a peaceful border situation.

A general view shows the Awad oil field in the eastern Qamishli countryside in northeastern Syria, on February 9, 2026; Illustrative.

US agrees to continue physical dollar cash shipments, Iraqi government says

Iraq keeps more than $100 billion in reserves in the United States, giving Washington substantial influence over Baghdad’s access to physical dollars.

 An American $100 dollar bill.

Iraq moves to put off militia disarmament until June 2027 while US moves out

The new developments regarding the militias come as the US is leaving Iraq on September 30. Zaidi wants to restructure the US relationship and make it strategic.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi meets with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, not pictured, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York City, US, September 21, 2026.

Iraqi military commander dismissed following drone attack on Saudi Arabia originating from Iraq

Later on Saturday, Iraq ordered the closure of the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iraq and Iran as a precautionary measure after the drone attacks, two security sources told Reuters.

Iraqi Prime Minister and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi chairs the Ministerial Council for National Security for an emergency meeting, to discuss the latest security developments and the attack carried out by the US and Saudi air forces, Baghdad, Iraq, July 29, 2026.

Iraq emerges as Iran’s economic lifeline amid tighter US sanctions

Iraq’s close political and commercial ties with Iran, give Tehran access to trade routes, currency markets, and commercial networks that are difficult for US authorities to monitor.

Iran and Iraq map. Ilustration.