Iraq

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.
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

 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.

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

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.

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


Iraq condemns drone attacks on Saudi Arabia amid US pressure on Iranian-backed militias

Iraq condemned recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, vowed cooperation in the investigation, and moved to distance Iranian-backed militias amid growing US pressure.

Smoke rises above Riyadh, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 5, 2026.

Saudi Arabia targeted by drones ‘from Iraq,' condemns strike on UAE nuclear plant

The attack follows a drone attack in the area of Abu Dhabi’s Barakah nuclear plant on Sunday. The two attacks could be connected, although it is too early to tell.

Smoke rises above Riyadh, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 5, 2026.

Israel built second secret military base in Iraqi desert before June's Op. Rising Lion - report

The report comes a week after the Wall Street Journal reported on a first secret military base Israel had built in a remote part of the Iraqi desert.

A view of the Iraqi Desert.

US arrests Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah commander wanted for plots against Jews, US interests

On May 15, the US Justice Department announced “the arrest of Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national and senior member of Kataib Hezbollah,” the department said.

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi pictured with Qasem Soleimani in a photo from Saadi’s social media.

Justice in Baghdad: Iraq convicts notorious Saddam Hussein-era torturer

This step is important for Iraq because it continues to show that Baghdad can get some justice for victims of the Saddam era.

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 sought financial assistance from International Monetary Fund as result of Iran war

Initial conversations took place last month during the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington.

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.

Teenage girl murdered after refusing arranged marriage to cousin, Iraqi women’s rights group claims

The murder was reportedly carried out under the justification of “washing shame,” a term associated with honor killing.

A young Iraqi girl who has reached the age of wearing a hijab, is clothed in the head covering worn by many Muslim women for the first time during a ceremony organised at the Basra International Stadium in Iraq's southern city of Basra on December 11, 2025.

White House denies reports of visa issues for Iraq’s World Cup team

The White House has refuted rumors that Iraq's national team players were denied US visas, confirming they are on track for the World Cup with all players cleared to travel.

 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Preview, Doha, Qatar - November 18, 2022 The FIFA World Cup logo is pictured on the Corniche Promenade ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Saudi airstrikes targeted militias in Iraq during war with Iran

Saudi warplanes reportedly struck Iran-backed militias in Iraq, targeting key sites as tensions escalated in the Gulf region during the ongoing conflict.

Saudi Royal Air Force fighter jets perform a fly-by during Saudi Arabia's 95th National Day celebrations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 23, 2025.

Iraq downplays reports of ‘secret’ Israeli base, while sending troops to find it - analysis

Iraq’s army is now being told to “defend” the desert and the homeland so that “Iraq will not be a launchpad or arena for aggression against neighboring countries.”

A member of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) rides in a military vehicle next to a flag during a parade marking the eighth anniversary of defeating Islamic State militants, in Baghdad, Iraq December 10, 2025.