Baghdad

From Saddam Hussein to Israel: How Iran's wars have divided a nation - analysis

After Iran engaged twice in the space of one year against Israel and the United States, the question of how Iranians respond to an external enemy has returned to the fore.

 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (L) who became Iran's first Supreme Leader after the Islamic Revolution and Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, who offered the Shah of Iran to dispose of the cleric
Iraqi security forces stand guard during a rally celebrating the withdrawal of forces of the US-led coalition against the Islamic State from Iraq in Baghdad on September 30, 2026.

US-led coalition exit shifts more counter-ISIS burden to Iraq and Syria - analysis

A stage with a banner for Sovereignty Day in Baghdad Wednesday, 30th September 2026

Iran-backed militias in Iraq determined to retain arms after US withdrawal - interview

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.

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


Iran-backed Iraqi militias launch drone attacks near diplomatic facility, Baghdad Airport

The embassy urged US citizens in Iraq to leave as soon as possible, noting that future attacks from Iran-backed Iraqi militias are possible.

An aerial view shows the Baghdad International Airport on September 17, 2025.

Foreign journalist holding US passport kidnapped in Baghdad by unknown parties, police say

One suspect had been arrested, the ministry said, adding that efforts were ongoing to free the journalist.

 Shelly Kittleson with an Afghani interview subject in 2024.

Iranian-backed militias escalate in Iraq, targeting Kurdistan Region president Nechirvan Barzani

The attack has been condemned by France and Iraq, but Iran has distanced itself from the incident.

Nechirvan Barzani, President of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan Region, gives a joint press conference with France's Foreign Minister in Arbil, the regional capital, on February 5, 2026.

Iran-backed Iraqi militias attack Kurdistan over 450 times since beginning of war

“The attacks, carried out by Iran and its aligned Iraqi militia groups, have killed at least 14 people and wounded 85 others," Erbil-based Rudaw Media Network noted.

SMOKE RISES from the site of a drone crash on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq, March 12, 2026.

Iran struggles to assert control in Iraq amid strikes, militia attacks, tensions - analysis

The Kurdish leadership of the autonomous region is outraged, and Iran has appeared to walk back the attack. However, in other areas, it continues to try to assert itself.

AN IRANIAN ballistic missile on display in Tehran.

Iranian-backed militias claim 30 killed, wounded in US airstrikes on base

Up to 30 fighters from Iran-backed PMF were reportedly killed or wounded in US airstrikes on their base in Anbar province, Iraq, including operations commander Saad Dawai.

A funeral ceremony is held at Al-Hussein Al-Askari Hospital for members of Popular Mobilization Forces who were killed in an attack in Al Anbar Province near the Syria border in Baghdadi Iraq on March 16, 2026.

Iraq becomes new battleground as Iranian proxies intensify nationwide strikes - analysis

The Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have become increasingly more powerful in the last decade.

Iraqi security forces stand guard during a funerary procession for a slain member of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi,  in Baghdad on March 8, 2026.

Drones attack US embassy in Baghdad, Oil Industry Zone in UAE

Two explosive drones targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, with one landing near the embassy, according to security sources early Tuesday morning. Smoke was seen rising from the area.

Smoke rises following a drone attack on the US embassy in Baghdad on March 14, 2026. A drone struck the US embassy in Baghdad on March 14, an Iraqi security official said, as an AFP journalist saw smoke rising from the complex.

Senior Iran-backed Iraqi militia official killed, Kataib Hezbollah not confirming circumstances

Kataib Hezbollah confirms the death of Abu Ali al-Askari, a senior member and militia spokesperson, who frequently criticized the US and Israel, while not confirming the cause of his death.

A man lifts a placard depicting slain Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani (L) and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis during a Baghdad funeral march rally for Iran-backed Iraqi militias, led by Kataib Hezbollah, December 4, 2023; illustrative.

Baghdad-Erbil oil feud threatens Iraq economy as Hormuz route remains cut off - analysis

Iraq has been cut off from trade via the Strait of Hormuz as the war with Iran has developed over the last two weeks.

A drone view shows oil tankers loading crude oil at the Basra Oil Terminal in Iraqi territorial waters, off the coast of Basra, Iraq, August 5, 2025. REUTERS/Mohammed Aty