Iraq news

Coffin of Iran's slain supreme leader Khamenei arrives in Iraqi holy city for funeral processions

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and senior Iraqi officials received the coffin at Najaf International Airport ahead of funeral ceremonies and a mass public procession, state TV reported.

|ByREUTERS
A vehicle carrying the coffin of Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei makes its way as people attend Khamenei's funeral procession, in Najaf, Iraq, July 8, 2026
Iraqi President Nizar Amedi and Ali al-Zaidi, the nominee of Iraq's Shiite Coordination Framework for prime minister, stand with political figures during a ceremony where Zaidi was tasked with forming a new government, in Baghdad, Iraq, April 27, 2026.

Iraq names little-known banker Ali al-Zaidi as PM after five-month deadlock

The real story of Zaidi is that he is largely unknown and appears to have been chosen almost by chance, as if Iraq’s politicians simply settled on a random figure to lead the country.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
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.

Iranian-backed militias strike Iraqi intelligence service in Baghdad escalation

Reports indicate that the militias have also struck Iraq’s intelligence service in Baghdad, injuring personnel at the site.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
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.

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.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

Facing imminent defeat in Mosul, Islamic State members attempt to flee across river

After eight months of combat that has ruined parts of the city, killed thousands of civilians and displaced nearly one million people, Iraqi officials say victory is close.

JULY 9, 2017ByREUTERS
Smoke rises after an US airstrike, while the Iraqi army pushes into Topzawa village during the operation against Islamic State militants near Bashiqa, near Mosul, Iraq October 24, 2016.

ISIS blows up historic mosque where 'caliphate' was declared

Destruction of 12th century mosque at end of Ramadan comes amidst ISIS-inspired terror attacks around the world as extremist group loses battle for Mosul.

JUNE 22, 2017BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A still image taken from video shows the destroyed Grand al-Nuri Mosque of Mosul in Iraq, June 21, 2017

Reporter's Notebook: A personal journey through Mosul’s war with ISIS

War is also addictive. The artillery concussions ring deep in the body. Advancing to the front gives one fear and a sense of being alive.

JUNE 10, 2017BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A MAN carries his daughter on his back after fleeing their home due to fighting between Iraqi forces and Islamic State fighters in Mosul’s al-Zanjili district in Iraq

Hezbollah commander's death in Iraq overshadows Mideast, Israel

Death of Hezbollah commander marks an escalation in Iran’s role in Iraq

JUNE 4, 2017BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
PEOPLE TOSS rose petals as Hezbollah members stand near the coffin of top Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine, who was killed in an attack in Syria last year

Iranian-backed militias reach Iraq-Syria border

In lightning offensive, Iraqi forces carve out strategic corridor from Baghdad to Syria.

MAY 30, 2017BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Shi'ite fighters from Mahdi Army launch rockets during heavy fighting against Islamic state members at Bo Hassan village, near Tikrit in northern Iraq.

Iraqi forces using siege and stealth to evict ISIS from Mosul

ISIS fighters "came to die and the majority of them are now in hell."

APRIL 25, 2017ByREUTERS
Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) gather during an operation to clear the al-Zirai district of Islamic State militants in Mosul.

ISIS crimes scarred Iraqi history and landscape

Today’s Mosul and the areas around it were the site of many of the worst crimes of ISIS against cultural heritage.

APRIL 13, 2017BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
ONE OF MANY churches destroyed by ISIS in the Christian town of Qaraqosh, Iraq.

A hitchhiker’s guide to the militias that now dominate much of Iraq

Country’s Shia take page from Hezbollah playbook.

APRIL 8, 2017BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Shia militia flags hang from a mosque in Mosul

On the ground in Mosul: The face of a new Iraqi military, forged in war

In the battle for Mosul, the Iraqi Army has deployed a variety of its best units, including the 9th Armored Division, the black-clad Special Operations Forces and the Federal Police.

APRIL 5, 2017BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
IRAQI SECURITY FORCES battle ISIS terrorists yesterday in western Mosul.

Report: ISIS leader Baghdadi close to being 'captured or killed'

The Iraqi Army is basing its conclusion on a military assessment following a recent battle it held with ISIS militants in the city of Tel Afar, located just 63KM from Mosul.

APRIL 2, 2017ByYASSER OKBI/ MAARIV HASHAVUA
A man purported to be the reclusive leader of the militant Islamic State Abu Bakr al Baghdadi made a rare public appearance at a mosque in the center of Mosul, on July 5, 2014.