Iraq news

US urges Iraq to limit Iranian influence as new government forms

The discussion centered on Iraq accepting up to 7,000 ISIS detainees from Syria, a move that could spark controversy within the country.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (C) inspects a guard of honour during the Army Day celebrations, marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of Iraqi army, at Military College in Baghdad on January 6, 2026.
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki reacts at a polling station inside Al-Rasheed Hotel during the parliamentary election in Baghdad, Iraq, November 11, 2025.

Iraq's former PM who helped fuel ISIS makes unlikely comeback - analysis

HUSSEIN MOUNIS, Member of the Iraqi Parliament votes at a polling station inside Al-Rasheed Hotel during the parliamentary election in Baghdad, Iraq, November 11, 2025.

Iraqi Sunnis divided over upcoming vote for parliament speaker

Muhannad al-Khazraji, the recently elected member of parliament, had run under the banner of the Badr Organization, which is a large pro-Iranian group in Iraq.

New Iraqi lawmaker ousted after creating fake PMF brigade, violating election laws


Under attack and losing hope, Iraqi activists flee abroad

An Iraqi government spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.

Iraqi security forces push back demonstrators in anti-government protests during Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's visit, in Basra, Iraq, July 15, 2020

‘The Americans are gone’: Iran happy US left Taji base

The base has been attacked a dozen times by rockets fired by pro-Iranian militias and three coalition personnel were killed there in March.

Iranian-backed militias stand on a tank close to the Syria-Iraq border

Murder of Iraqi commentator al-Hashimi is a blow for the region - analysis

In Iraq, media and commentators are still vulnerable to the language of the bullet rather than the language of debate.

A demonstrator carries an Iraqi flag as he walks near burning tires blocking a road during ongoing anti-government protests, in Baghdad, Iraq January 19, 2020.

What sort of man is Iraq’s new prime minister?

Everything about Kadhimi’s past suggests a man imbued with generous humanitarian instincts, an upholder of social justice, utterly opposed to repressive dictatorship.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in an official photograph in 2020 provided by The Media Office of the Prime Minister of Iraq

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