Iraq
31 stories related to this topic, newest first.
al-monitor.comIraq Ministry Reports Datura Plant Spread in Agricultural Areas
Iraq’s Ministry of the Interior issued an alert about datura plants, also known as jimsonweed. The ministry cited risks to crops from the plant’s toxic compounds. A Spanish study found the species has adapted to diverse climates worldwide.
citizen.co.zaUN Security Council Condemns Attack on UAE Nuclear Plant
The United Nations Security Council issued a statement condemning an attack on the Barakah Nuclear Plant. The council described the incident as a violation of international law but did not assign responsibility.
pbs.orgKurds in northern Iraq express concern over possible U.S.-Iran deal
Residents of Iraq's Kurdistan Region say a potential agreement between the United States and Iran may leave their area exposed to continued attacks. The reported talks have raised questions about whether any resulting pressure on Baghdad would extend to Iranian-backed groups oper…
ecns.cnIraq Explores Overland Trade Route to Turkey Through Syria
Iraq is considering a 1,200-kilometer overland trade corridor to Turkey that would pass through Syria. The plan could alter regional trade patterns if implemented.
theprint.inKuwait Suspends All Overflights Through May 2026
Kuwait has closed its airspace to overflights starting immediately and continuing through May 2026. Arrivals and departures at Kuwaiti airports remain permitted under the new restrictions.
news.sky.comIraq Condemns Drone Attacks on Saudi Arabia and Distances Itself From Militias
Iraq condemned recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and pledged cooperation in the investigation. The country also moved to distance itself from Iranian-backed militias amid U.S. pressure.
Dust Storm Hits Iraq, Sending Residents to Hospitals
A dust storm swept across Iraq on May 18, 2026, affecting Najaf and Baghdad. The storm caused breathing difficulties that required medical attention for some residents.
rediff.comReport Says Israel Built Two Secret Bases in Iraq Desert
A New York Times report says Israel constructed two secret military bases in Iraq's western desert. One base was reportedly discovered in March by a local shepherd. The report follows an earlier Wall Street Journal account of a separate base used during operations against Iran.
foxnews.comIsrael Ran Two Secret Bases in Iraq Desert for Over a Year
Iraqi and regional officials say Israel maintained two covert military outposts in western Iraq to support operations against Iran. The sites operated intermittently for more than a year before one was discovered by a local shepherd in March.
rediff.comIsraeli Military Operated Two Covert Bases in Western Iraq
Senior Iraqi and regional officials said Israel maintained two secret bases in Iraq's western desert for more than a year to support operations against Iran. The sites remained undisclosed until a March incident involving a local shepherd.
hrw.orgKurdistan Region Security Reports Downing of Drone in Sulaymaniyah Area
Kurdistan Region security forces announced the downing of a drone in the Kazan area of Sulaymaniyah. The report provides limited details on the incident or any potential context. No further information on the drone's origin or purpose was included.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewIraq in Talks With OPEC to Raise Oil Output to 5 Million Barrels Per Day
Iraq's oil minister said the country is engaged in discussions with OPEC about increasing its production to 5 million barrels per day. The move follows similar production increases by the United Arab Emirates. OPEC members have been gradually raising output after earlier cuts.
thehindu.comUS Arrests Senior Kataib Hezbollah Member on Terrorism Support Charges
The US Justice Department announced on May 15 the arrest of Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national and senior member of the Kataib Hezbollah terrorist organization. He faces charges of providing material support to Iranian-backed terrorist groups. Authorities say…
al-monitor.comIraq Holds Talks With IMF on Financial Support
Iraqi officials approached the International Monetary Fund last month for financial help following the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran that began Feb. 28 and led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes as most of Iraq's oil exports, which account for nea…
nypost.comIraqi Teenager Killed After Refusing Arranged Marriage to Cousin
An Iraqi teenager was killed after she refused an arranged marriage with her cousin, according to the Iraqi Women’s Rights organization and several other feminist groups. The killing was carried out under the justification of “washing shame,” a term linked to honor killings. The…
goodnewsnetwork.orgRestoration Work Begins on Iraq's 4,000-Year-Old Ziggurat of Ur
Archaeologists have started restoration at the ancient Sumerian Ziggurat of Ur in Dhi Qar province. The project aims to protect the site from climate-linked erosion. Work is underway at one of Iraq's most significant historical monuments.
nbcnews.comIsrael Secretly Built Military Outpost in Iraq and Struck Iraqi Troops to Hide It During Iran Campaign
Israel set up a secret military outpost in the Iraqi desert to support its air campaign against Iran and conducted airstrikes on Iraqi troops who nearly uncovered the site early in the conflict, according to people familiar with the matter. The operations highlight the lengths ta…
nbcnews.comIraqi Media Reports Repeated US Warplane Violations of Iraqi Airspace
Iraqi media outlets reported that US warplanes have repeatedly entered Iraqi airspace. The aircraft allegedly flew in from occupied territories, according to the reports. @FirstSquawk relayed the accounts from Tasnim news agency.
thehindu.comLoud Explosions Reported Near Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan
Multiple loud explosions were reported near Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. There has been no immediate confirmation of the source or target of the blasts. Iran-backed militia groups have conducted repeated attacks on U.S. positions in the area in recent years.
The Japan TimesIraq's Marshes See Partial Recovery as Water Levels Rise After Severe Drought
Rising water levels have begun restoring Iraq's southern marshes, with submerged areas increasing sharply and residents returning to previously abandoned zones. Heavy winter rains and deliberate releases from reservoirs have driven the recovery in the UNESCO World Heritage site o…
thehindu.comU.S. Sanctions Iraq’s Deputy Oil Minister and Iraqi Militia Figures Linked to Iran
The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on May 7, 2026, against Iraq's deputy oil minister and senior figures tied to two Iran-aligned militias. Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly was accused of facilitating the diversion of Iraqi oil for the benefit of the Iranian regime and its pro…
Al-MonitorIraq's Historic Marshes Revive as Water Levels Rise After Drought
Rising water levels from heavy winter rainfall have begun restoring Iraq's southern marshes after years of drought that dried up large areas and forced residents to migrate. In the Chibayish marshes, canoes now glide through waterways, water buffalo graze on returning pasture, an…
![Drone Attack Targets Arms Depot at Iranian Kurdish Opposition Camp North of Erbil](https://s.france24.com/media/display/632d8c3c-bfbe-11ef-a01c-005056a97e36/w:1280/p:16x9/m:{"brand":"FRANCE24","lang":"EN","program":"","cartouche":"RUSSIA","hash":"d7bb452afef278a70a80ba307302b177bada2a7181efbfed919b24eab4516dd9","title":"Major%20drone%20attack%20on%20Kazan","id":"5535ce5c-cd7e-11ed-854c-005056bf30b7"}/EN_20241221_170347_170904_CS.jpg)
france24.comDrone Attack Targets Arms Depot at Iranian Kurdish Opposition Camp North of Erbil
An arms depot at an Iranian Kurdish opposition camp north of Erbil, Iraq, was struck by a drone attack. Security sources reported the incident, which occurred recently. Details on casualties or perpetrators remain unavailable.
citizen.co.zaIran's President Pezeshkian Urges Iraqi Official to Advise U.S. on Removing Regional Military Threat
Iran's President Pezeshkian told an Iraqi official to convey a message to U.S. officials during their contacts. He advised them to remove the military threat from the region, according to Tasnim News. The statement highlights ongoing tensions in the Middle East involving U.S. mil…
Japan TimesIsrael-Iran Conflict Reduces Pilgrims to Najaf and Karbala
A Middle East war sparked by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February 2026 has drastically reduced religious tourism in Iraq's holy cities. Hotel closures and layoffs have hit Najaf and Karbala hard, with pilgrim numbers down by up to 95 percent despite a fragile ceasefire.…
thehindu.comIraq's President Tasks Businessman Ali al-Zaidi with Forming New Government
Iraq's Coordination Framework nominated businessman Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate, a political newcomer selected by the dominant Shia parliamentary bloc. The president invited him to form a government, giving him 30 days to assemble a cabinet. Previous frontrunners inc…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewArchaeologists Uncover 5th-Century Church Near Sasanian Fortress in Iraqi Kurdistan
Archaeologists have discovered a church dating to the 5th or 6th century adjacent to a Sasanian fortification in the Gird-î Kazhaw area of Iraqi Kurdistan. The site indicates coexistence between early Christians and Zoroastrian practitioners. The findings are part of a broader st…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewIraq Commits $17 Billion to Development Road Rail and Highway Project
Iraq has committed $17 billion to the Development Road project, an infrastructure initiative involving a 1,200 km rail and highway network. The project extends from the Gulf to Turkey with connections into Europe, aiming to enhance regional connectivity. It is designed to bypass…
azernews.azIranian Revolutionary Guard Reports Drone Attack in Kurdistan Region of Iraq
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard stated it conducted a drone attack targeting elements of a separatist group in two regions of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq. The announcement described the group as terrorist. No further details on casualties or responses were provided in the report…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewShiite Identity Gains Prominence Amid Middle East Cease-Fire and Conflicts
The growing emphasis on Shiite identity is expected to influence future regional tensions in the Middle East, according to a Foreign Affairs analysis. This dynamic is evident in Lebanon and Iraq, where responses to military pressures are fostering alignments among Shiite groups.…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewKuwait Condemns Vandalism and Breach at Its Consulate in Basra, Iraq
Kuwait issued a statement denouncing the vandalism and breach of its consulate in Basra, Iraq. The incident occurred at the diplomatic facility. Kuwait called for an investigation and protection of its diplomatic missions.