Baghdad

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.

|ByREUTERS
A worker checks an oil pipeline at Nahr Bin Umar oil field, north of Basra, Iraq March 22, 2022.
Oil trucks arrive from Iraq, on their way to the Baniyas oil terminal, in Qamishli, Syria, May 11, 2026..

Tehran’s control over Baghdad may create conditions for more extreme protests, expert tells ‘Post’

Iraq’s failure to pay July salaries could trigger wider, potentially violent protests as oil export disruptions and US financial controls strain Baghdad, an expert said.

|ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD
A man looks on near damage at a site belonging to Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) following airstrikes that the PMF said were carried out by US and Saudi forces, in Bartella, Nineveh province, Iraq, July 29, 2026.

US-Saudi Arabia airstrikes target Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces militia in Iraq

The strikes followed a series of drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia. The United States has made clear that it believes Iran-directed militias are responsible for the escalation.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
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 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.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

Iraq approaches critical Nov. 11 elections, set to deploy nearly 200,000 security personnel

The elections are important because Iraq is undergoing a transitional phase.

NOVEMBER 2, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Supporters of candidates from the Badr Organization hold signs during an election campaign rally ahead of Iraq's parliamentary elections in the city of Hilla, Iraq, November 1, 2025.

Iraq, Turkey sign deal on Iraqi water infrastructure projects

The initial batch of projects will include three water harvesting dams and three land reclamation initiatives, according to an Iraqi water resources official.

NOVEMBER 2, 2025ByREUTERS
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein attend a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq November 2, 2025.

Iraq says 185 antiquities seized in Britain as clampdown on looted heritage widens

'The Iraqi cultural attache in London formally informed the ministry about the seizure of the 185 artifacts. Archaeological experts subsequently confirmed their Iraqi origin.'

OCTOBER 28, 2025ByMEDIA LINE
Iraqi Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Baghdad, Iraq

Sunni candidate killed ahead of Iraq’s November parliamentary elections

This is the most high-profile assassination of these elections and the most high-profile attack in Iraq in recent memory. 

OCTOBER 15, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A man looks at the site where a car packed with explosives blew up yesterday, in Hayy al-Shurta, a Shi'ite district in Baghdad, Iraq February 17, 2017.

IRGC chief visits Baghdad over fears of Iraqi instability - analysis

Qaani met with top Shiite leaders in Baghdad to contain internal splits and preserve Iran's influence in Iraq ahead of parliamentary elections.

JULY 30, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, the newly appointed commander of the country's Quds Force, is seen in Tehran, Iran, in this undated picture obtained January 3, 2020

Iraqi police, paramilitary fighters clash outside government building in Baghdad

The clash broke out in Baghdad's Karkh district after a group of fighters from the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) stormed a government building.

JULY 27, 2025ByREUTERS
Members of Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) attend a symbolic funeral of fellow members of PMF who were killed by U.S. air strikes on the Syria-Iraq border, in Baghdad, Iraq, June 29, 2021.

As drone attacks target northern Iraq's Kurds, West urges Baghdad to act - analysis

The Kurdistan autonomous region is growing increasingly frustrated with Baghdad’s response. The leaders have likely communicated this to their Western allies.

JULY 22, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A member of the Kurdish security forces stands guard with smoke billowing in the background on July 17, 2025

Whose mystery drones are targeting radar sites at Iraq military bases? - analysis

Iraq has tried to avoid being sucked into the recent conflict. Its airspace was closed, and it expressed concern to Iran and other countries. 

JUNE 24, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Iraqi security forces sit on vehicles at a street after an attack by a drone strike on an Iran-backed militia headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq January 4, 2024.

Iran reportedly withdrawing IRGC commanders from Baghdad, driven by US airstrikes

Iran has had advisers in Iraq in the past, especially in the war against ISIS. Now, Iraqi sources informed Arab media that there could be several

JUNE 23, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A picture of late Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami is seen on a street in Tehran, Iran June 15, 2025.

Iraqis increasingly concerned nobody protecting their skies amid Israel-Iran escalation - analysis

Iraq has complained to the UN Security Council over Israel allegedly violating Iraqi airspace to conduct airstrikes on Iran.

JUNE 17, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Supporters of the Iraqi Shia militia, Nujaba Movement, gather at Kirkuk's Ihtifalat area during a demonstration in support with Iran and condemn Israeli attacks, on June 16, 2025.