Iraq news

Iraq forced to balance US, Iran relations after separate meetings with Trump, Iranian ambassador

Over the last decade, Iraq has been weakened from within because of Iranian-backed militias. Some of the militias have historical ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran.

Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi speaks during a parliamentary session to vote in a new government headed by Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister, at the parliament headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, May 14, 2026.
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.

Iran targets Kurdistan in regional escalation, spiking gas prices and tensions - analysis

Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi speaks during a parliamentary session to vote in a new government headed by Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister, at the parliament headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, May 14, 2026.

Iraq's PM arrives in Washington as US presses Baghdad on Iran-backed militias - analysis

A vehicle carrying the coffin of Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei makes its way as people attend Khamenei's funeral procession, in Najaf, Iraq, July 8, 2026

Coffin of Iran's slain supreme leader Khamenei arrives in Iraqi holy city for funeral processions


Iraqi woman allegedly beaten at Iranian airport sparks outrage within Iraq

Iranian state-media said on Friday that Iran's vice-consul in Najaf visited the woman to apologize for the police's behavior.

An Iranian Aseman Airlines' Fokker 100 takes off as an Iran Air aircraft is seen in the foreground at Tehran's international airport August 6, 2007.

Will Iraq’s new PM shake off Iran’s grip on the region?

On May 7, the Iraqi parliament swore in Mustafa al-Kadhimi as its new prime minister. Iraqi officials are hopeful his leadership will bring stability to the region and curtail months of protests.

Million-man march in Baghdad against US military presence in Iraq, Jan. 24, 2020

A rift emerges among pro-Iranian militias in Iraq

Different units are increasingly divided between those who want to play a role in Iran’s regional strategy and those who want to be a more local Iraqi force.

Iraqi security forces gather in a street, during a curfew imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Baghdad, Iraq

Iraqi shi’ite leader – and, apparently, Iran – embrace PM-designate

Nomination of Mohammed Allawi stokes further resentment among anti-government protesters, who seek out-and-out change

An Iraqi university student covers her face with Iraqi flag as she protests to express her rejection of the newly appointed Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, during ongoing anti-government protests in Baghdad

Iranian-backed militias may have killed 500 protesters in Iraq

As many as 550 protesters have been killed in Iraq since protesters began in October.

Iraqi demonstrators lift up a man who was killed during anti-government protests in Baghdad, Iraq, January 21, 2020

Iraq's soccer team brings unity to divided country

Unlike days of Saddam Hussein, players no longer fear punishment for poor performance – let alone political expression

Football / soccer ball

Concerns arise after Iraq cracks down on Al-Hurra channel

The Al-Hurra network has been taken down by the Iraqi government, which claims it was due to a misleading report it had aired. Though the possibility exists something more elaborate is taking place

Iraqi security forces ride in vehicles travelling to Mosul to fight against militants of Islamic State at an Iraqi army base in Camp Taji in Baghdad

Iranian-allied Shiite Fighters in Iraq Threaten Israel

Popular Mobilization Forces also charge US with green-lighting alleged Israeli strikes.

Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi meets Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Baghdad, Iraq March 11, 2019

Iraq investigating alleged rocket fire that landed near US forces in Camp Taji

The incident is one of the most serious in recent months targeting an areas where US forces are present in Iraq.

Iraqi security forces ride in vehicles travelling to Mosul to fight against militants of Islamic State at an Iraqi army base in Camp Taji in Baghdad

Former Iraqi politician to 'Post': Hope for normalization with Israel

"This honor is not just for me," he told the audience at the AJC Global Forum. "It is for all Iraqis who stand up against the fascists and the Iranian threat."

An aerial view of Baghdad, Iraq March 4, 2018.