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Iraq

January 18, 2026

Baghdad 1:46 am

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From Egypt to Lebanon: What’s at stake for regional states on Trump’s visa ban list?

The State Department claimed that citizens from the affected countries are more likely to use social welfare services at a high rate.

Sadaf Ebrahimi walks down a row of demonstrators at Lafayette Park in front of the White House during the "Free Iran" rally on Jan 10, 2026, in Washington.

Analysis

Trump dials up risky Iran tariffs that would hit China, UAE and others: What to know

Any country trading with Iran now faces a 25% tariff, per the White House, but the move is unlikely to ratchet up pressure on Tehran in the short term.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 9, 2026.

From Iraq to Yemen, how Iran proxies are responding to protests

Iraqi militias and the Houthis are growing more vocal in their defense of Iran amid the protests sweeping the country, while Hezbollah and Palestinian groups are remaining relatively quiet.

Safin HAMID / AFP via Getty Images

Sharaa tells Iraq's Barzani Kurds integral to Syria amid fears of Aleppo spillover

More than 140,000 people have been displaced by fighting between Syrian government and Kurdish forces in Aleppo and the situation has captured the attention of Kurdistan Region and federal government leaders in neighboring Iraq.

Latest News

Analysis

Venezuelan crisis unlikely to impact MENA crude exporters in short term

The Iranian-flagged oil tanker Fortune is docked at the El Palito refinery after its arrival to Puerto Cabello in the northern state of Carabobo, Venezuela, on May 25, 2020.

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Analysis

After Iraq’s election, what are US priorities for next government?

Armoured vehicles of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Forces are deployed outside the US embassy building in Baghdad's Green Zone on June 12, 2025, after an announcement by a US official the previous day that staff levels at the diplomatic mission in Iraq were being reduced over security concerns. Despite reporting progress in earlier rounds of talks between Iran and the United States, tensions have reached a fever pitch this week as Washington moved non-essential staff from bases in the region following US medi

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Syria seizes anti-aircraft missiles near Iraqi border: What to know

Syria's security directorate in al-Bukamal seized SAM-7 missiles being prepared for smuggling into Iraq, on Dec. 22, 2025.

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Beatrice Farhat

Associate Editor (Lebanon)

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Andrew Parasiliti

President and Chief Content Officer

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security

Suadad al-Salhy

In Baghdad, reporting on politics and security

Lyse Mauvais

In Amman, reporting on humanitarian crises

REFILE - CORRECTING ORCHESTRA NAME Conductor Karim Wasfi leads the Peace Through Arts Farabi Orchestra during a concert in Mosul, Iraq October 27, 2018. Picture taken October 27, 2018. REUTERS/Ari Jalal - RC11765B9AD0

Iraqi artists, volunteers seek to restore morale in Mosul

Singers, poets and volunteers try to revive pluralism in Mosul but old wounds, particularly between different religious groups, linger on.

New Iraqi chief embraces Iran-backed PMU despite US efforts

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units is establishing its position and influence in the government of new Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.

Iraq’s governorates reject 2019 draft budget

Iraq's 2019 draft budget is the target of major criticism by the Iraqi governorates and Kurdistan Region for not fulfilling their needs and demands.

Iran-backed PMU militias in Iraq raising profile

Danish elite forces left the Iraqi-Syrian border area in late October against a backdrop of tension between Denmark and Iran.

Can new PM make Iraq's grand plans a reality?

Iraq's new prime minister is making the economy a priority, but some question whether he will be able to tackle longstanding roadblocks that threaten his plan's success.

As protests continue, residents of Iraq's Basra call for autonomy

Basra residents, who have been protesting to demand services and jobs, are disappointed with the new government for not appointing any minister from Basra and call for the establishment of a Basra federal region.

Will Iraqis get green light to enter restricted Green Zone?

Iraq's new prime minister wants to lift at least some limits on entering Baghdad's Green Zone, but he is likely to face strong opposition from politicians and foreign diplomats there.

Iraq halts oil exports to Iran as new US sanctions begin

Iraq has announced that it will stop the export of oil to Iran from Kirkuk fields to abide by the new wave of US sanction on Iran imposed Nov. 5.

School bells ring again at Mosul's Christian school

Shimon Safa Elementary School has welcomed students of many faiths for years, and now the Christian school has opened again, thanks to the residents of the city.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks to reporters during a news briefing at the State Department in Washington, U.S., October 23, 2018. REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton - RC1A8C8911D0

US gives Iraqis an out on Iran sanctions

Although Iraq continues to accuse Washington of meddling in its internal affairs, both countries have made concessions on Iran sanctions.

Iraq, Syria lay plans to reopen border

Despite the ongoing threats from Islamic State militants along the Iraq-Syria border, the two countries are preparing to reopen important crossings.

Iraq working to make money, not burn it up in gas flares

Iraq is making progress on its project to capture the potentially lucrative gas associated with oil extracted from its southern fields, which it has been burning off for decades.