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.
Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi's visit to US, meeting with Trump strengthens US-Iraq ties - analysis
Hezbollah-tied individual arrested on suspicion of spying for Israel in Lebanon
US supporting efforts to revive Iraq-Syria crude oil pipeline, US official says
Iraqi-based Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah offers to ‘buy’ weapons from other militias
Kataib Hezbollah is sanctioned by the US as a terrorist group and is behind numerous killings and kidnappings; now it wants even more weapons.
Are Iranian-backed militias in Iraq really ready to hand over weapons? - analysis
A Kataib Hezbollah spokesperson said he “praised what he described as a decision by ‘[armed] brothers not involved in the Islamic Resistance [of Iraq]’ to end their armed activities."
Iranian regime operative who directed wave of Ashab al-Yamin attacks on Jewish targets indicted
Originally indicted with six counts in a complaint on May 15, the Iraqi and Iranian national was charged on Thursday with conspiring to provide material support to Kataib Hezbollah and the IRGC.
Iraqi Prime Minister urges armed factions to disarm and join state institutions
Newly elected Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi urged armed factions in the country to work “under the umbrella of the state and its official institutions.”
Iraq at a crossroads over militias, as senior commander is killed in car bombing - analysis
A senior commander from Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, an Iran-aligned Iraqi armed faction, was killed and his aide seriously wounded on Thursday when an explosive device detonated in their vehicle.
Kurds continue to be under fire even amid ceasefire, fear new deal may not stop Iranian attacks
The new talk of a possible deal that might involve Iran and the US could lead to pressuring Iraq's central government to rein in Iranian-backed militias.
Voices from the Arab press: Gulf tensions over Iran deepen regional fears
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.
Iraq’s 1,200-km. trade route could redraw the Middle East - analysis
Iraq has some reticence, in part because Iranian-backed militias in Iraq oppose the new government in Damascus. However, trade may prove more important than sectarian ideology.
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.