Iraq

Voices from the Arab press: Iranian calamities, Netanyahu's rule, and state legitimacy

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

Military equipment targeted at an unknown location, during what US CENTCOM says are strikes on Iran, in this video screengrab released July 20.
A girl waves a Libyan flag, during celebrations commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 2011 revolution in Tripoli, Libya February 17, 2021.

Why Iran will not be another Libya if the regime is overthrown - opinion

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) receives UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the People's Palace in Damascus on July 25, 2026.

UN chief visit to Syria seen by Damascus as key step towards reconstruction after war - analysis

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attend a welcoming ceremony in Tehran, Iran July 23, 2026.

Iran, uninterested in 'temporary deal' with US, rejects Iraqi-led ceasefire proposal - report


Damascus calls Hezbollah ‘terrorist militia’, partners with Iraq to stop arms smuggling

The ministry said specialized security units intercepted a suspicious vehicle near the Syrian-Iraqi border and discovered a cache of long-range missiles, guided anti-tank missiles, and drones. 

Drones displayed by Syria's Interior Ministry after authorities said they were seized during an operation that foiled an alleged cross-border weapons smuggling attempt near the al-Tanf border crossing with Iraq, July 16, 2026.

Archaeologists discover rare 2,600-year-old stele of Assyrian king in Iraq's Nineveh

The stele has since been moved to the Inspectorate’s headquarters to undergo initial restoration work so that it can be studied in depth.

A fragment of an ancient stele dating to the reign of the Assyrian King Ashurbanipal found in Iraq's Nineveh province, July 17, 2026.

From forced conversion to genocide: How Yazidis carry centuries of persecution into exile

MIDDLE EAST AFFAIRS: The Islamic interpretation of the Yazidi faith is what members of ISIS used to justify the enslavement of over 6,000 women and children and the murder of more than 5,000 people.

A Yazidi woman holds a flame during the Charshama Sor Red New Year ceremony at the Lalish temple in Iraq in April. For a community repeatedly driven from its ancestral homes and subjected to forced conversions, religious tradition has become an enduring expression of survival and continuity.

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.

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

It appears that Trump likes Iraq’s new leader. Zaidi is a former businessperson, like Trump. As such, Zaidi tried to present a new face of Iraq to the White House.

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.

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

The individual was accused of providing intelligence to Israel that ultimately allowed the Jewish state to kill four top-tier security leaders in the terror group.

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

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

Bloomberg reported that Chevron could play a role in rebuilding the pipeline, though the company declined to comment.

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.

Iraq's PM arrives in Washington as US presses Baghdad on Iran-backed militias - analysis

Iraq is already a kind of frontline between the US and Iran. After the US and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28, the Iranians operationalized militias in Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi speaks during a parliamentary session to vote in a new government headed by Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister, at the parliament headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, May 14, 2026.

Iran fires three ballistic missiles at US base in Kuwait - report

Iran claimed to have destroyed American High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) batteries in Kuwait, according to the Iran-run Fars News Agency.

Missiles produced by Iran's armed forces are displayed near a row of Iranian flags during commemorations to mark the anniversary of the 1979 Iranian Revolution on February 11, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

Iraqi prime minister to visit Washington on Monday, oil and gas deals expected

"The agreements to be signed will include several memorandums of understanding in the oil and gas sector as Iraq prepares to bring in various US companies," a government spokesperson said.

Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi speaks during a parliamentary session to vote in a new government headed by Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister, at the parliament headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, May 14, 2026.