Breaking | Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 11:25 am Iraq taps Krikor Der-Hagopian as first Armenian Christian ambassador to US Baghdad’s pick of a US-educated Armenian Christian adviser as envoy to Washington underscores a bid to reset US-Iraq ties and broaden the country’s diplomatic profile. Iraq
Iraq arrests deputy oil minister in anti-corruption push The arrest of Adnan al-Jumaili marks a second signification step against corruption by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s government amid growing pressure from the Trump administration. Iraq
Analysis Can Iraq absorb Iran-backed militias without deepening Tehran’s influence? While some militias have openly resisted disarmament, experts say those expressing support for the government’s plans may be motivated by political calculations. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Iraq’s Sadr moves to place his militia under state control: What to know Muqtada al-Sadr is the first militia leader to heed new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s call to place weapons in the hands of the state as US pressure continues. Iraq
Will Iraqi elections avoid traditional sectarian divides? While the May 12 elections include Shiite candidates running in predominantly Sunni areas and vice versa, Iraqis are divided over whether or not this represents a step toward overcoming sectarian divides. Iraq
Iraq's top Shiite cleric denounces militias' electoral list The electoral coalition of the Popular Mobilization Units has come under criticism from Iraqi's highest Shiite religious leader for invoking the group's military victories for electoral gain. Iraq
Preparations in place for Iraqi parliamentary elections Iraqi election officials are keeping a close eye on the voting process this week, as some clerics and activists raise concerns about possible corruption and critics question the reliability of the country's new electronic voting system. Iraq
