Iraq

An explosion at a PMF base in Iraq triggered armed clashes between rival pro-Iranian militias over sensitive equipment, escalating internal political tensions.

Guy Shuval Shaul, a 24-year-old Israeli, has turned his family's heritage Judeo-Arabic into a viral Instagram success, connecting with young audiences in Iraq and bridging cultural divides.

The U.S. military is set to complete its withdrawal from Iraq, marking the end of a two-decade presence and handing a major strategic victory to Iran.

Iraq has issued an ultimatum for pro-Iranian militias to disarm, raising security concerns in Israel over potential retaliatory drone and missile attacks.

Iraq has begun reopening its land borders with Iran under Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, defying new US sanctions from President Donald Trump amid regional tensions.

Members of parliament warn that the renewal of attacks against American targets could trigger a response and open a new front on Iraqi soil. "Any escalation will have direct consequences for the internal situation."

The Baghdad government arrested several figures in the umbrella organization of Shiite militias "Hashd al-Shaabi" as part of an attempt to centralize weapons in the hands of the state. The arrests took place a few days after the arrest and release of a senior militia official named Abbas al-Yaqubi.

A photo published on Wednesday by the Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf, during a visit to Iraq, created a storm when the caption "Persian Gulf" appeared in the background. The post was published after a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart, who responded with a photo of his own with the caption "Arabian Gulf". The embarrassing AI video, and the background to the confrontation: a deadline for the...

A long-standing dispute over the strategic 'Khor Abdullah' shipping lane between Iraq and Kuwait has intensified. The situation escalated following the death of an Iraqi fisherman by Kuwaiti Coast Guard fire, triggering protests and the appearance of UAVs bearing 'revenge' slogans.

Two Iranian drones attacked the private office of the Prime Minister of the Kurdish region in Iraq. While the regional government's security services did not explicitly name the perpetrators, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani directly blamed Iran for the strike.

The Prime Minister of Iraq has set a deadline of September 30 for armed factions to hand over their weapons to the state, and is preparing for a confrontation with those who refuse. Simultaneously, Baghdad is conducting talks with the Revolutionary Guards to restrain the militias.

The United States is set to withdraw its remaining troops from Iraq by September 30, marking the end of a long-standing military chapter that began in 2003. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi confirmed after meeting with US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper that the deadline is fixed and final.

Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani arrived secretly in Baghdad and met with senior officials and militia commanders. On the agenda: the pressure to disarm the factions and Iraqi efforts to restore oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

The new Prime Minister of Iraq, Ali al-Zaidi, is seeking to shift the country's foreign policy. As part of his plan to avoid regional tensions, he declared that Iraq will not join any military or security alliances.

A new plot linked to Iranian elements has been foiled. According to Iraqi security services, the apprehended cell was preparing to use drones to carry out attacks outside the country's borders.

The official Iraqi news agency reported on Thursday that $500 million in cash arrived in Iraq in a shipment from the US Federal Reserve Bank. The agency stated that the funds are intended for transactions related to travelers and foreign money transfers, subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Iraq.

Iraqi security forces have raised the alert level across all bases and deployed counter-terrorism units toward Baghdad. Saudi media reports indicate that Iraqi soldiers are preparing to respond to potential security threats posed by Iranian proxy groups within the country.

Security sources in Baghdad told the Qatari newspaper 'Al-Araby Al-Jadeed' today that pro-Iranian militias have redeployed, evacuated headquarters, and moved to less visible sites. A number of senior officials were moved to alternative locations. The preparations come following US and Saudi strikes, and fears of their recurrence.

More than a week after the scheduled payment date for July salaries, millions of public sector employees, retirees, and welfare recipients in Iraq have yet to receive their wages. Senior officials admit that the liquidity crisis, exacerbated by the impact on oil revenues, makes it difficult for the government to meet its financial obligations.

American journalist Steve Coll analyzes Saddam Hussein's meeting transcripts in his book "Achilles Trap," arguing that the lack of direct dialogue with enemies leads to dangerous miscalculations.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, praised by U.S. President Donald Trump, is attempting to pivot Iraq away from Iranian influence. The focus is on major energy deals and combating systemic corruption.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is strengthening regional influence, leveraging energy crises in Iraq and instability in Lebanon to expand his footprint.

The 'Popular Mobilization Forces' in Iraq have become a central tool for Iran to drag the US into a prolonged conflict. According to 'The Telegraph', Tehran uses these militias to expand the theater of operations.

Neighbors of Baghdad have signaled that it must curb pro-Iranian militias, or they will strike their positions within its territory. Baghdad promises to prevent further launches. In Lebanon, there are calls for Hezbollah to refrain from intervening in a potential conflict between the US and Iran.

US embassies in Israel, Jordan, and Iraq have warned of potential unforeseen escalation. American citizens are advised to prepare for flight cancellations and airspace closures.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi have signed a comprehensive energy agreement in Ankara set to reshape regional trade. The deal includes plans for daily oil supplies of up to one million barrels and the development of a major transport artery linking the Persian Gulf to Europe.

The "New York Times" reports a significant number of casualties following strikes in Iraq, drawing severe threats from militia umbrella organizations. A US official confirmed that the targets were attacked intentionally to degrade the militias' ability to launch missiles and UAVs.

US President Donald Trump labeled the missile fire at US forces in Jordan a "surprise attack" and threatened a severe response. Meanwhile, the US and Saudi Arabia conducted joint strikes against pro-Iranian militias in Iraq.

The American-Saudi attack against the headquarters of Al-Hashd al-Shaabi puts the new Iraqi Prime Minister in a trap. While the US demands the dismantling of the pro-Iranian militias, Tehran is tightening its grip – and the consequences reach as far as Israel.

While Iran acts to arrange the cards in its favor and tighten its regional grip, a window is now created for a strategic counter-change. This change will require the Iraqi government to choose a side, and perhaps even adopt a much more determined approach against the continued Iranian meddling in its affairs — not only to smooth things over with Saudi Arabia and the US, but first of all for...

Rait al-Tamimi, who lived for years in Baghdad, met Khamenei, and Nasrallah's men, is now openly calling for normalization with Israel. In a special interview with N12, he blames Iran and talks about the price he pays: "I am threatened all the time."

After Riyadh claimed to have thwarted drones launched from Iraq, Baghdad opened an official investigation and requested information from the Saudis. Pro-Iranian militias have denied the allegations.

Three UAV interception incidents have occurred near Israel's borders in the last two weeks. While all drones were neutralized outside Israeli territory, security officials are still working to confirm the exact origin of all launches, with Iraqi-based pro-Iranian militias currently considered the most likely perpetrators.

Saudi Arabia intercepted a drone attack launched by pro-Iranian militias from Iraq. The targets included oil facilities in the east of the country and the capital, Riyadh.

The aspiration to break the Iranian siege on the Strait of Hormuz has given birth to a series of regional initiatives, including an attempt to revive the old oil pipeline between Kirkuk and the Syrian port of Baniyas. The US administration has expressed support for the project, which involves Chevron and Qatari investors. Israel risks losing its position as a regional energy hub.