Iraq

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.
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi pictured with Qasem Soleimani in a photo from Saadi’s social media.

US arrests Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah commander wanted for plots against Jews, US interests

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.

Justice in Baghdad: Iraq convicts notorious Saddam Hussein-era torturer

A boy holds an Iraqi flag near the Iranian embassy during a gathering following the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, in Baghdad, Iraq, April 8, 2026.

Iraq sought financial assistance from International Monetary Fund as result of Iran war


Iraq’s militia state: Shelly Kittleson’s kidnapping exposes who runs Baghdad

BEHIND THE LINES: Since October 2023, forces associated with the PMF – that is, affiliated with the government of Iraq – engaged in ongoing attacks against US personnel and positions.

US JOURNALIST Shelly Kittleson is pictured in Baghdad on March 31, shortly before she was abducted. Her disappearance has focused attention on the threat posed by Iran-backed militias and the deteriorating security environment in postwar Iraq.

Vance: No deal reached after talks with Iran, Netanyahu says Iran campaign 'not over yet'

John Kerry: Netanyahu presented Iran attack plan to former presidents • Iran warns military vessels against transiting Strait of Hormuz • CENTCOM clears underwater mines in Hormuz

Detail view of US Vice President JD Vance motorcade is seen at the Serena Hotel shortly after his arrival on April 11, 2026 at Islamabad, Pakistan.

US summons Iraqi ambassador over drone strike on diplomatic facility in Baghdad

Separately, Kuwait condemned what it described as drone attacks by Iran and its proxies targeting vital facilities in the country, calling the strikes a violation of its sovereignty.

Smoke rises after an explosion at the US Embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraq, following a rocket and drone attack, according to security sources, March 17, 2026.

IDF destroys launcher fired from inside school, Israel excludes France from talks with Lebanon

IDF reservist severely wounded, another soldier lightly injured by shrapnel • Israel expels Spain from US's CMCC in Kiryat Gat over 'blatant anti-Israel bias'

IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon, April 10, 2026.

Iraq is on edge amidst Iran ceasefire - analysis

Over the past decade, Iraq’s government has empowered Iranian-backed militias, which in turn used Iraqi territory to carry out hundreds of attacks during the war.

Members of the Hashd al-Shaabi gather in Basra, southern Iraq, to hold a memorial ceremony for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, carrying Khamenei posters and Hashd al-Shaabi and Kataib Hezbollah flags while chanting slogans in support of Iran on March 08, 2026.

Iran-backed Iraqi militias launch drone attacks near diplomatic facility, Baghdad Airport

The embassy urged US citizens in Iraq to leave as soon as possible, noting that future attacks from Iran-backed Iraqi militias are possible.

An aerial view shows the Baghdad International Airport on September 17, 2025.

Kurdistan Region of Iraq hopes ceasefire brings end to drone, missile attacks

Since the war with Iran began, Tehran told its militias in Iraq to target the Kurdistan Region, including targeting US forces and facilities in the region.

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

Five things to watch amid the ceasefire with Iran

The upcoming issues include Lebanon, Iraq, JD Vance, domestic political fallout, and the details of Iran's 10-point plan.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (L) looks to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine as he speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon on April 08, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia.

Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah to release abducted American journalist Shelly Kittleson

Middle East news site Al-Monitor said Kittleson was a US freelance journalist based in Rome who had covered several wars in the region and had contributed articles to the outlet.

US journalist Shelly Kittleson poses for a picture in Baghdad on March 31, 2026.

Iranian-linked drone attack kills Kurdish couple in northern Iraq

It is the latest attack by Iran and Iranian-backed militias using drones and missiles on the Kurdistan region. Iranian-backed militias have launched more than 500 attacks since February 28.

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.