Relations between the US and Iran are escalating over Tehran's nuclear program, threatening a major war in the Middle East. Ukraine is interested in peace to avoid rising oil prices and the strengthening of the Russian Federation.
US President Donald Trump threatens to cut off aid to Iraq if Nouri al-Maliki is reappointed as prime minister.
The Iraqi Ministry of Defense announced on January 17 the complete withdrawal of US troops from the Ain al-Asad airbase. The facility is now fully under Iraqi control, in accordance with the 2024 agreements.
Iraq is initiating the creation of a special commission to investigate the recruitment of its citizens into the Russian army. Official Baghdad expressed concern and reminded of the responsibility for mercenary activities.
Iraq has signed a multi-billion dollar deal with Turkey, exchanging crude oil for the construction of dams and land reclamation systems. This is intended to provide the country with water due to the critical shallowing of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Weeks after Iraq recognized Yemen's Houthis and Hezbollah as terrorists, the authorities revoked the decision, citing a mistake.
Exxon Mobil is in talks with Iraq to acquire Lukoil's controlling stake in the West Qurna-2 field. This field accounts for 9% of Iraq's oil production, and potential buyers can negotiate until December 13.
Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated that the disarmament of armed groups is only possible after the complete withdrawal of American troops. The multinational force withdrawal plan is in effect until September 2026.
Ankara and Baghdad signed an agreement on water infrastructure, where Turkish companies will implement projects financed by Iraqi oil. The agreement provides for the construction of three dams and land reclamation programs.
In the city of Kut, Iraq, a fire in the newly opened "Hypermarket" claimed the lives of over 60 people, including women and children. Another 11 people are considered missing after the incident that occurred on Wednesday evening.
Thousands of people in Middle Eastern countries have protested, condemning the actions of Israel and the US after Israeli strikes on Iran. Demonstrators chanted slogans against both countries and expressed solidarity with the Iranian government.
Brent crude rose to $78 a barrel, the biggest jump since 2022. Israel has struck Iran's nuclear program, raising fears of oil supply disruptions.
Iran has announced the creation of a new uranium enrichment center, increasing tensions with the US and Israel. This was in response to IAEA criticism of Tehran's nuclear commitments.
The United States is preparing for a partial evacuation of the embassy in Iraq. They will also allow the military to leave their locations in the Middle East due to increased risks in the region.
Martin Jäger, the German ambassador to Ukraine, will become the new head of the BND. A reorganization of the service and an increase in funding are expected, which should speed up the collection of intelligence.
Several Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are for the first time ready to disarm to avoid escalating conflict with the Trump administration. The US has threatened airstrikes if Iraq does not disband these groups.
Abdullah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, known as "Abu Khadija", was eliminated in Iraq during a special operation. He was one of the most dangerous terrorists and the "deputy caliph" of ISIS.
During Pope Francis' visit to Iraq in 2021, British intelligence prevented a terrorist attack. Suicide bombers, including a woman with explosives, were planning an attack in Mosul.
In his new autobiography, Pope Francis spoke about an attempted terrorist attack against him in Iraq in 2021. British intelligence warned of suicide bombers, who were later neutralized by the Iraqi police.
In Georgia's parliamentary elections, police are investigating mass ballot stuffing at a polling station in Marneuli. In Baghdat municipality, a voter smashed electronic voting equipment.
Iran suspended indirect talks with the United States in Oman due to tensions with Israel. Iran's Foreign Minister said that the talks will not resume until the current crisis is overcome.
The US carried out an air strike on the base of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces south of Baghdad. As a result, 4 members of the group were killed and 4 others were wounded. This is the first known US strike in Iraq since February.
The High Court of London has ruled that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will have the opportunity to appeal the decision to extradite him to the United States, where he faces espionage charges related to the publication of classified documents.
The EU and the US have expressed concern over Iraq's new law criminalizing LGBTQ+ relationships with up to 15 years in prison, criticizing it as a threat to human rights and freedoms.
An airstrike on a military base south of Baghdad used by the Iraqi militant group al-Hashd al-Shaabi caused material damage, but no casualties were reported.
Iraq is planning to repair the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline to Turkey, which will allow it to export up to 350,000 barrels per day by the end of the month, which could cause tensions with the Kurdish authorities over control of oil revenues.
The High Court in London has decided to postpone the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the United States until the appeal is completed.
A U. S. drone strike in Baghdad killed the commander of the Iraqi group Kataib Hezbollah, who was responsible for planning and participating in attacks on U.S. troops in the region.
According to reports, 40 people were killed in US air strikes on targets in Iraq and Syria.
16 people are killed and 25 wounded in US airstrikes on pro-Iranian targets in Iraq, according to the Iraqi Prime Minister's office.
