Iraq
Syria, Iraq hope for meetings in Washington, seek coordinated visit with US envoy
While al-Sharaa's meeting is unconfirmed, it could still happen. The Trump administration will want to end the Iran conflict and get a deal while trying to show it can stabilize Iraq and Syria.
Drone attack reported in Iraq's Kurdistan region, as US-Iran tensions grow
Iraq's PM heads to Washington to discuss militias, business, and gain Trump's support
Iran threatening Kurdish opposition groups in Iraq as it strikes Israel - analysis
Iraq races to restore ancient Ziggurat of Ur amid threat of climate erosion - report
In a video published in early May, Reuters revealed that the Iraqi government had announced an initial budget of $382,000 to restore the ziggurat. The work will reportedly be completed by July 2026.
ISIS escalates rhetoric, seeks ‘new phase of fighting’ in Syria - analysis
Foreign fighters and sleeper cells remain a security concern as the group tries to revive its networks after years of territorial collapse.
UAE says drone that hit near its nuclear plant was launched from Iraq
The head of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency, Raphael Grossi, warned that a direct hit on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant would result in a "very high release of radioactivity."
Iraq condemns drone attacks on Saudi Arabia amid US pressure on Iranian-backed militias
Iraq condemned recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, vowed cooperation in the investigation, and moved to distance Iranian-backed militias amid growing US pressure.
Saudi Arabia targeted by drones ‘from Iraq,' condemns strike on UAE nuclear plant
The attack follows a drone attack in the area of Abu Dhabi’s Barakah nuclear plant on Sunday. The two attacks could be connected, although it is too early to tell.
Israel built second secret military base in Iraqi desert before June's Op. Rising Lion - 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.
US arrests Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah commander wanted for plots against Jews, US interests
On May 15, the US Justice Department announced “the arrest of Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national and senior member of Kataib Hezbollah,” the department said.
Justice in Baghdad: Iraq convicts notorious Saddam Hussein-era torturer
This step is important for Iraq because it continues to show that Baghdad can get some justice for victims of the Saddam era.
Iraq sought financial assistance from International Monetary Fund as result of Iran war
Initial conversations took place last month during the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington.
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.
