Split over Maliki, Iraq’s Shiite bloc delays PM vote as deadline nears: What to know Two other candidates have emerged as alternatives to Coordination Framework nominee and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is openly opposed by the Trump administration. Iraq
How Syria's border opening with Iraq redefines Turkey-Kurd balance After years of closure, the reopening of al-Yaaroubiya crossing is redrawing Kurdish economic leverage and reinforcing Turkey’s regional strategy. Syria
IMF slashes Mideast outlook by nearly 3 points as Iran war hits economies The International Monetary Fund cut gross domestic product forecasts for the Middle East and North Africa, with the fallout from the conflict exposing stark divergences between the region’s energy exporters and importers. Iran
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia summon Iraqi diplomats over militia attacks: What to know The United States and Kuwait have likewise criticized Iraq over actions tied to Iran-backed armed groups in the country. Iraq
Exclusive 'King of Iraq': Top judge Zaidan played key role in Shelly Kittleson's release By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis How fast can Gulf energy production rebound after US-Iran ceasefire? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Hostage to Hormuz, can Gulf rewire future energy flows to bypass Iran’s chokepoint? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Islamic State announces 'revenge' attacks during Ramadan Iraq has stepped up security amid an IS campaign called 'Battle of Revenge for the Two Sheikhs' that killed dozens in several countries in the first few days. Iraq
Anti-Iran fever heats up as Iraq's political deadlock continues As Iran-backed groups block the formation of Iraq's next government, frustrated voices are getting louder about Iran's meddling. Iraq
US urges Iraqi government formation as stalemate drags on The deadlock has left Iraq without a new budget amid the economic uncertainty stemming from Russia's war in Ukraine. Iraq
Alliance blocks formation of new Iraqi government An Iran-backed minority alliance has caused delays, and the process of creating a new Iraqi government may take many months. Iraq
Turkey launches offensive against PKK targets in northern Iraq In a critically timed spring offensive, Turkey has hit dozens of targets associated with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party and killed 19 fighters. Turkey
Islamic State uses dust storm as cover for desert attack on Iraqi soldiers An Islamic State cell operating in Iraq’s largely desert province of Anbar killed two Iraqi soldiers the day after an armed drone allegedly from Iran-linked armed groups was shot down at a major base hosting coalition forces in the same area. Iraq
Iran's new Iraq ambassador affiliated with Quds Force Iran appointed the country’s fourth ambassador to Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, and similar to his predecessors he is part of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iraq
Iraq's political deadlock: three scenarios Iraq's new parliament has failed to form a government and the political scene is stuck in a difficult deadlock, indicating that the crisis is likely to continue for a long time. Iraq
Attacks target US forces on both sides of Iraqi-Syrian border IRGC-linked armed groups are presumed to be behind attacks on bases hosting US-led coalition forces this week in both Iraq and Syria that resulted in minor injuries but no deaths. Iraq
Iran-linked militias torch KDP office, after IRGC strike on Erbil Tension is mounting between Iran-linked armed factions and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq after repeated attacks on the largest Kurdish party office in the capital and threats. Iraq
Culture Iraq reopens National Museum after thousands of smuggled artifacts return The Iraqi National Museum in Baghdad regains its cultural and tourist role and reopens with new exhibition halls displaying several artifacts that have not been exhibited before. Iraq
Report: oil production, profits stable in Iraqi Kurdistan There have been a series of notable energy developments in Iraq recently. Iraq