Iraq
Iran increases checkpoints in Kurdish region as minority group disproportionally executed
Recent events, including the January demonstrations that were violently suppressed by the regime, have also seen Iran’s Kurdish community disproportionately affected by state violence.
Iran-backed militias in Iraq signal move to place weapons under state control amid US pressure
'Memory is a form of resistance': President Herzog commemorates the Farhud
Cargo vessel struck by drone attack in Gulf, Iraqi officials say
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.
UAE says drone that hit near its nuclear plant was launched from Iraq
The head of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency, Raphael Grossi, warned that a direct hit on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant would result in a "very high release of radioactivity."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
