Sudani ahead in early Iraq vote count, path to power uncertain

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani is not guaranteed to stay on even if his list wins.

Iraq

Analysis

Will Iraq’s election results reshape Iran’s role in Baghdad?

Tehran's sway over Baghdad is facing new challenges, with fatigued allies, US pressure and postwar regional shifts redefining Iran's influence in its most strategic neighbor.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Iraq’s election turnout rises to 55%, defying expectations: What to know

Voter participation had previously declined in every other Iraqi election since 2005.

Iraq

Analysis

Turkey eyes continuity in Iraq as elections test Sudani’s pro-Ankara momentum

Ankara’s newfound clout in Baghdad, built on water deals and quiet security coordination, will face its first big test at the ballot box.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Iraq elections: What to know as Sudani seeks second term

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is seen as the front-runner ahead of next week’s election, though the country may face another lengthy process of forming a government.

Iraq

Iraq elections: Sadr renews calls for boycott one week out from vote

Iraq’s next election has exposed considerable divides among Shiite politicians as Muqtada al-Sadr sits out and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani splits from the Coordination Framework.

Iraq

Turkey, Iraq sign oil-for-water deal: What to know

The landmark deal between Ankara and Baghdad sets out a finance mechanism to direct Iraqi oil proceeds into Turkish-built water infrastructure.

Turkey

Iraq hit by wave of political violence weeks ahead of national election

Authorities work to step up security ahead of the upcoming vote, which could again be marked by low turnout amid widespread frustration with the political process.

Iraq

Iraq's security chief visits Iran, steps up border and railway cooperation: What to know

Iraqi national security adviser Qasim al-Araji’s trip to Iran focused on efforts to deal with Kurdish groups on the border and a much-delayed railway linkage between the two countries.

Iraq

Who is Mark Savaya, Chaldean-American businessman named Trump’s Iraq envoy?

Mark Savaya supported Trump in the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections and was credited by the president with helping to secure votes in the battleground state of Michigan.

Iraq

Iraq to keep some US military advisers despite troop pivot to Kurdistan region

Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said some 300 US military advisers would remain at a key base in the country's Anbar province to keep eyes-on ISIS activities in the Anbar desert and prevent the jihadist group's resurgence in the Euphrates River valley.

Iraq

Analysis

Water for influence: Turkey moves to ease Iraq's water shortages ahead of elections

Turkey took the step in a bid to ensure that relations with Iraq's current and future leaderships remain manageable after the vote.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security