Iraq
Middle East economy to shrink 2.1% in 2026, Gulf economies by 4.3%, World Bank forecasts
Despite grim forecasts, the World Bank projects regional economies could rebound by 7.8% in 2027 if the conflict ends this year, though the Hormuz blockade and inflation remain major threats.
US-led coalition exit shifts more counter-ISIS burden to Iraq and Syria - analysis
Islamic State claims responsibility for attack that killed policeman near Iraq's Kirkuk
Seeking to prevent crisis, Iraq condemns desecration of US flag by pro-Iranian militias - analysis
Iraq struggles to pay public salaries as Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens
Iraq’s oil exports plunged from 100 million barrels in February to around 32 million in May and June, according to figures shown to The National by the country’s Oil Ministry.
Iraq delays July public salaries as Strait of Hormuz blockade guts oil revenue
Iraq’s oil exports plunged from 100 million barrels in February to around 32 million in May and June, according to figures shown to The National by the country’s Oil Ministry.
Turkey to submit draft law allowing thousands of former PKK members to return, aims to end conflict
The draft law, some details of which surfaced last November, is focused on managing the return of PKK fighters and civilians from hideouts in northern Iraq, setting out how they will be processed.
Syrian military raises alert level amid movements near Iraqi border
It also remained unclear whether the military movements had affected border crossings or civilian and commercial traffic between the two countries.
Trump’s Syria-Iraq pipeline plan aims to weaken Iran’s leverage - opinion
Trump is backing a revived Iraq-Syria oil pipeline to bypass the Strait of Hormuz and reshape Middle East energy.
Iran attacks US base in Kuwait, vessel hit by projectile near Strait of Hormuz
The United Kingdom Maritime and Trade Operations (UKMTO) center said in a post on X/Twitter that a cargo vessel had been hit by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman.
Saudi Arabia, Middle East neighbors pressure Iraq to rein in Iranian-backed militias - analysis
Iranian-backed militias are using Iraq as a staging ground to launch attacks against neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia, Syria, Kuwait, and Jordan.
US troop pullback raises fears of more attacks on Iraqi Kurdistan - analysis
The removal of US Patriot systems could leave Iraqi Kurdistan more vulnerable after nearly 1,000 missiles and drones targeted the region since February.
Beyond the optics: Is the Netanyahu-Trump rift real, or are they still aligned on Iran?
NATIONAL AFFAIRS: The choreography surrounding the Netanyahu-Trump meeting has fueled speculation about a widening rift - and whether Israel and the US remain coordinated on Iran.
Middle East divided as Iran war, Houthi-Saudi Arabia tensions continue to ramp up
The recent joint US-Saudi attacks marked the first time Riyadh has publicly joined strikes alongside Washington.
