Iraq

Drone attack reported in Iraq's Kurdistan region, as US-Iran tensions grow

The attack “caused extensive damage to the building, but no casualties were reported. No party has claimed responsibility so far,” local media reported.

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.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi delivers a televised address after assuming office, in Baghdad, Iraq May 16, 2026.

Iraq's PM heads to Washington to discuss militias, business, and gain Trump's support

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 February 12, 2026.

Iran threatening Kurdish opposition groups in Iraq as it strikes Israel - analysis

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meets with Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, May 17, 2026.

Israel is fighting on four fronts and has killed everyone who could end it - comment


Iraq names little-known banker Ali al-Zaidi as PM after five-month deadlock

The real story of Zaidi is that he is largely unknown and appears to have been chosen almost by chance, as if Iraq’s politicians simply settled on a random figure to lead the country.

Iraqi President Nizar Amedi and Ali al-Zaidi, the nominee of Iraq's Shiite Coordination Framework for prime minister, stand with political figures during a ceremony where Zaidi was tasked with forming a new government, in Baghdad, Iraq, April 27, 2026.

US offers $10 million for information about three Iraqi militia leaders

On April 24, the United States also offered a $10m. reward for Hishim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, known as Abu Ala al-Walai, the head of Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, an Iraqi paramilitary group.

A boy holds an Iraqi flag near the Iranian embassy during a gathering following the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, in Baghdad, Iraq, April 8, 2026.

Why the US is standing up to Iranian-backed militias in Iraq - analysis

The US-Iran talks are now tied to wider regional issues. For instance, Iran wanted a ceasefire in Lebanon. The US wants to see Iranian support for proxies ended.

 Iraqi security forces sit on vehicles at a street after an attack by a drone strike on an Iran-backed militia headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq January 4, 2024.

US halts dollar shipments to Iraq, freezes military aid over militia concerns

The US has halted $500M in dollar shipments to Iraq and frozen military cooperation programs, demanding Baghdad dismantle Iranian-backed militias in response to militia attacks.

Mourners march in the funeral of a Kataib Hezbollah terrorist after a US airstrike on a Popular Mobilization Forces headquarters near the Iraq-Syria border, pictured in Baghdad, March 2, 2026.

Iraq political factions fail to agree on prime minister as US pressure mounts

It has been five months since Iraq had an election in November, 2025. However, the parties can’t agree on a prime minister.

 A protester holds a portrait of former Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki during a protest against US President Donald Trump near the US embassy in Baghdad, on Jan. 29, 2026.

Iran’s poisoned chalice: can economic pressure end the regime? - opinion

The poisoned chalice is not forced; it is chosen when there is no other option left.

Oil barrels and several hundred dollars; Illustrative.

Iran's IRGC Quds Force head Qaani visits Baghdad, meets Shi'ite political, militia leaders - report

Iran's Quds Force head Esmail Qaani visited Baghdad to discuss Iraq's next prime minister and the future of Shi'ite militias amid US sanctions.

IRGC Quds Force chief Esmail Qaani pictured in Tehran, Iran, February 17, 2026; illustrative.

From Erbil to Rojhilat: A new Kurdish political alignment emerges - opinion

After decades of fragmentation, Iranian Kurdish groups form a new coalition with strategic implications for the region.

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 February 12, 2026.

US Treasury goes after Iranian-backed militias in Iraq

Several days ago, the US State Department’s Rewards for Justice program announced a $10 million reward for information on Ahmad al-Hamidawi, the leader of the militia Kataib Hezbollah.

A general view of the Treasury Building on day two of a partial government shutdown in Washington, DC, US, February 1, 2026.

Iraq turns to Syria for oil exports after Hormuz disruptions from US blockade

Iraq is rerouting oil exports through Syria’s Baniyas terminal as its maritime oil shipments face disruptions due to the Iranian and US blockades of the Strait of Hormuz.

Luojiashan tanker sits anchored in Muscat, as Iran vows to close the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 7, 2026.