Iraq

Will Iraq finally help protect Kurdistan's oil fields from drone attacks? - analysis

For Iraq, it doesn’t seem to matter if the Kurdistan Region is attacked, because then the region can’t sell oil or provide itself with gas for electricity.

Members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) participate in a military drill in an outpost near Erbil, Kurdistan region of Iraq on January 15, 2026.
Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi speaks during a parliamentary session to vote in a new government at the parliament headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, May 14, 2026.

Iraq in transition: Baghdad pushes weapons monopoly amid reforms - analysis

ELON MUSK, SpaceX CEO speaks via videolink on the day of SpaceX’s IPO, at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City, June 12.

Voices from the Arab press: Elon Musk, the world's first trillionaire

Members of the Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah attend the funeral of their members, who were killed in an airstrike that targeted a Hashd al‑Shaabi headquarters near the western al‑Qaim district on the Syrian border, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Baghdad, Iraq, March 2, 2026.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards set up covert Iraqi cells to attack Gulf neighbors, sources say


Middle East reroutes its energy networks as region navigates shifting sands - analysis

Investments in new pipelines and energy products will be a key feature in the new regional order.

Gas flares burn at the Rumaila oil field during an armed patrol by Iraqi Energy Police in Basra, Iraq, June 8, 2026.

How Houthis militarized Ibb province in Yemen into their armed camp - analysis

While Hezbollah and Hamas have suffered blows, the Assad regime has fallen, and militias in Iraq are under pressure, the Houthis remain steadfast in Yemen.

HOUTHI TERRORISTS carry weapons as they stand near the site of Israeli airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, in September. Iran has reportedly lost control of the Houthis, the writer notes.

US envoy Barrack meets Iraq PM, pushes new direction in bilateral ties

US envoy Tom Barrack met Iraq’s leadership in Baghdad, discussing security, militias, and economic cooperation as Washington pushes a “new direction” in bilateral ties.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi meets with US Special Presidential Envoy Tom Barrack in Baghdad, Iraq, June 16, 2026.

Syria, Iraq hope for meetings in Washington, seek coordinated visit with US envoy

While al-Sharaa's meeting is unconfirmed, it could still happen. The Trump administration will want to end the Iran conflict and get a deal while trying to show it can stabilize Iraq and Syria.

New Iraqi Prime Minister designate Ali al-Zaidi, uses a phone at his office in Baghdad, Iraq, April 28, 2026.

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.

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

The US has warmed to Zaidi after opposing former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who almost became prime minister in February.

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

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

One of Iran’s key strategies for maintaining regional influence is not to lose its hold over Iraq, leading to strikes against Kurdish Iranian opposition groups in Iraq.

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.

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

Three years in, with four fronts still open and everyone who had power in December 2023 killed by Israeli fire, can this war ever end?

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

Iraq World Cup star Aymen Hussein detained at Chicago airport, team photographer barred

Hussein was finally allowed in, but the team's photographer was barred from entering the US, said the official, who works for the Iraqi Olympic Committee and has close contacts with the team.

 Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - Inter-Confederation Playoffs - Final - Iraq v Bolivia - Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico - March 31, 2026 Iraq's Aymen Hussein arrives before the match.

The illusion of change in Iraq: Baghdad's militia shake-up masks a deeper Iranian strategy

BEHIND THE LINES: The decision by Zaidan’s allies to integrate their armed elements into state security forces represents an effort by a pro-Iranian element to consolidate its power.

Qais al-Khazali, head of the Iranian-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia in Iraq, speaks during a rally last year in Baghdad to present the Sadiqoon Movement ahead of parliamentary elections.