Iraq

Are Iranian-backed militias in Iraq really ready to hand over weapons? - analysis

A Kataib Hezbollah spokesperson said he “praised what he described as a decision by ‘[armed] brothers not involved in the Islamic Resistance [of Iraq]’ to end their armed activities."

Members of the Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah attend the funeral of their members, who were killed in an airstrike that targeted a Hashd al‑Shaabi headquarters near the western al‑Qaim district on the Syrian border, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Baghdad, Iraq, March 2, 2026.
MOHAMMAD BAQER Saad Dawood Al-Saadi standing in front of an array of machineguns in a conference room.

Iranian regime operative who directed wave of Ashab al-Yamin attacks on Jewish targets indicted

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

Iraqi Prime Minister urges armed factions to disarm and join state institutions

Fighters of the Ansar Allah al-Awfiya (Loyal Supporters of God) Shiite group parade with their weapons on June 16, 2015 in the southern Iraqi city of Basra during celebrations.

Iraq at a crossroads over militias, as senior commander is killed in car bombing - analysis


Kurds continue to be under fire even amid ceasefire, fear new deal may not stop Iranian attacks

The new talk of a possible deal that might involve Iran and the US could lead to pressuring Iraq's central government to rein in Iranian-backed militias.

A fighter from the Iranian Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) takes part in a training exercise at a base near Erbil, Iraq, in February.

Voices from the Arab press: Gulf tensions over Iran deepen regional fears

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

US President Donald Trump attends a GCC summit photo session in Riyadh, alongside Qatari, Saudi, and  Bahraini leaders, May 2025.

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.

Iraqi forces and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters gather during an intensive security deployment after Islamic State militants took it over the previous day in Luhaiban village in Kirkuk, Iraq December 6, 2021.

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.

Restoration of the ziggurat temple in ancient Ur

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.

A still image taken from an Islamic State (ISIS) video

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."

Fire and smoke rise in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, caused by debris after interception of a drone by air defenses, UAE, March 4, 2026; illustrative.

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.