Iraq

Iraq deepens ties with Jordan as Baghdad looks to strengthen regional alliances - analysis

Iraq and Jordan signed nine cooperation agreements during Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's visit to Amman, focusing on trade, energy and security amid growing regional tensions.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi meets with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, not pictured, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York City, US, September 21, 2026.
Iraqi security forces stand at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after Iraq closed the crossing following airstrikes on the Iranian side that security sources said killed an Iraqi citizen, Iraq, April 4, 2026.

Tensions continue to mount as Iraq balances the Iran border crossing closures with national needs

Iraqi security forces stand at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after Iraq closed the crossing following airstrikes on the Iranian side that security sources said killed an Iraqi citizen, Iraq, April 4, 2026.

Iraq's government struggling amid threats of rebellion, protests, rising Iran tensions - analysis

Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (C) looks on during the family photo during the 52nd session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad on October 17, 2026.

Iraqi PM orders investigation into provincial council threats over closed Iran border crossing


Iran plans to weaken Kurdish forces in Iraq to prevent disarmament of militias - analysis

Iran will use the militias to do whatever is necessary to preserve its role in Iraq, while also aiming to weaken its Kurdish rivals in the country.

Iranian Shi'ite pilgrims walk along a road to enter Iraq through the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iran and Iraq to make their way to the holy city of Karbala to attend the Arbaeen pilgrimage, following US strikes on the Iranian side of the border crossing, in Basra, Iraq, July 23, 2026.

Iraq approves three month mechanism to export crude via local, international firms

Iraq is seeking to diversify its oil export channels and maintain flexibility in marketing its crude amid the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A worker checks an oil pipeline at Nahr Bin Umar oil field, north of Basra, Iraq March 22, 2022.

Iranian drones target Iraq's Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's office

Two drones launched from Iran targeted offices linked to KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and a senior security official, with no casualties 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 February 12, 2026.

Iraqi Kurdistan emerges as a key diplomatic bridge between US and Iran - analysis

Nechirvan Barzani’s ties with Washington, Tehran and regional Kurdish actors have positioned Iraqi Kurdistan as a key diplomatic bridge.

Nechirvan Barzani, the regional president of Iraqi Kurdistan, delivers a speech after casting his ballot in Arbil, the capital of Iraqi's northern autonomous Kurdish region, on November 11, 2025.

Iran prepared for larger war, fearing US talks were cover for Israeli attack - report

According to the WSJ, Arab intelligence officials picked up evidence of Iranian leaders planning potential attacks on enemy territory, broadening the scope of the war and raising the cost for the US.

Missiles produced by Iran's armed forces are displayed near a row of Iranian flags during commemorations to mark the anniversary of the 1979 Iranian Revolution on February 11, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

Recent Kurdistan Region attacks expose Baghdad’s struggle with Iran-backed militias - analysis

Three drones were intercepted over Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, as Baghdad seeks to bring armed groups under state control and rein in Iran-backed militias.

Smoke rises from an oil warehouse on the outskirts of Erbil, the capital of Iraq's Kurdistan Region, following a suspected drone strike on April 1, 2026. (Illustrative)

Iraq seeks Saudi, Syrian ties as it faces pressure to rein in Iran-backed militias - analysis

Iraq’s militias have threatened US forces and Israel in the past. They have kidnapped journalists and carried out hundreds of attacks on the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq.

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

Iraq’s PM seeks to disarm Iran-backed militias, but Tehran wants to meddle - analysis

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have roots stretching back to the 1980's and are the product of decades of Iranian policy aimed at cultivating armed proxies beyond its borders.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi meets with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, Iran July 23, 2026.

‘This is Tehran’: Khamenei posters and Iran regime flags displayed at London march

Given that the Ayatollahs are the ultimate authority over the IRGC, displays of support for them could be seen as support for the organization.

Open displays of support for the Islamic regime in Iran were seen throughout Sunday's Arbaeen Procession in London, August 9, 2026.

Rocket attack hits Iranian-Kurdish opposition camp near Erbil, security sources say

The sources reported that there were no casualties, blaming Iran for the attack.

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.