Iraq

Syria’s actions against Hezbollah weapons smuggling showcase its regional commitment - analysis

As US President Donald Trump maneuvers to bring about peace in Lebanon, Syria plays a key role in helping cut off the arms flow to Hezbollah.

Syrian security forces seize a Hezbollah weapons shipment near the Syrian-Iraqi border, July 16, 2026.
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi as they participate in a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, US, July 14, 2026.

Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi's visit to US, meeting with Trump strengthens US-Iraq ties - analysis

 Hezbollah members parade during a rally marking al-Quds Day, (Jerusalem Day) in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon April 5, 2024.

Hezbollah-tied individual arrested on suspicion of spying for Israel in Lebanon

Performing checks at Turkey’s Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, run by state owned Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS). Crude oil flows through the Kirkuk Ceyhan pipeline, linking Iraq to Turkey; Illustrative.

US supporting efforts to revive Iraq-Syria crude oil pipeline, US official says


Iraq downplays reports of ‘secret’ Israeli base, while sending troops to find it - analysis

Iraq’s army is now being told to “defend” the desert and the homeland so that “Iraq will not be a launchpad or arena for aggression against neighboring countries.”

A member of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) rides in a military vehicle next to a flag during a parade marking the eighth anniversary of defeating Islamic State militants, in Baghdad, Iraq December 10, 2025.

Iranian-backed militias search Iraq for 'Zionist-American' base in show of force - analysis

Reports of a secret Israeli base in Iraq have now led Baghdad to feel it must do something and stage a show of force, resulting in Iranian-backed militias sending forces to southern Iraq.

Members of the Popular Mobilization Forces stand guard at a military base near the Iraqi-Syrian border in Al-Qaim, west of Iraq on January 23, 2026.

Iraqi PM-designate caught between US endorsement, militia violence - report

The endorsement is contingent on Ali al-Zaidi excluding Iran-backed militias from his potential government, a move that could prompt those militias to fight back.

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

Iraqi media shocked by reports of secret Israeli base as Baghdad hits critical juncture - analysis

Reports that Iraq’s sovereignty may have been undermined by a foreign force operating in the desert will cause controversy in Baghdad.

An aerial view shows camels wondering in the Samawa desert, midway between the Iraqi capital Baghdad and the southern city of Basra on February 14, 2026.

Israel reportedly operates covert base in Iraq during Iran campaign

A secret Israeli outpost in Iraq allegedly supported airstrikes on Iran and stayed hidden until an Iraqi patrol came dangerously close.

Smoke rises following an airstrike on a Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) headquarters at Kirkuk International Airport, in Kirkuk, Iraq, March 28, 2026.

'Historic, unprecedented': IDF, US ran covert rescue operations from Iraq during Iran war

IDF special forces rescue units had been clandestinely placed in Iraq in order to have the capability to jump into action to rescue any IDF pilots who might crash-land if they were shot down.

Israel Air Force fighter jets participate in a Remembrance Day flyover, April 2026.

Iranian regime relying on foreign militias to bolster security efforts, suppress protests - report

Iran’s government has not officially acknowledged the role of these foreign militias.

A member of Iranian militia forces (Basij) gestures during an anti-Israeli march in Tehran, Iran, January 10, 2025; illustrative.

Israel built secret base in Iraqi desert during war with Iran - report

IDF troops were stationed at the secret base in case IAF pilots were shot down over enemy territory. 

A view of the Iraqi Desert.

Kurdish leaders in Iraq seek stability and influence under Zaidi government - analysis

Iraqi Kurdish leaders are seeking greater influence in Baghdad as Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi forms a new government amid rising regional tensions.

The Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) members pose for the camera as they celebrate Nowruz at the Jezhnikan Village around Baharka, Iraq, on March 18, 2025.

Iran continues to attack Kurdish groups in Iraq despite new Iraqi PM

Iran and its militias have carried out more than 800 attacks on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq since February 28, when the US and Israel began strikes on Iran.

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.