Iraq
20 stories from Middle East Affairs.
US Navy escorts tankers through Hormuz as mine-clearing effort accelerates
The US Navy is escorting tankers carrying roughly 7 million barrels through the Strait of Hormuz as it clears mines from the shipping channel.
Iraq's crude gains more than 10% in week despite final-session slip
Iraq's Basrah Heavy and Medium crude gained more than 10 percent over the week, though both fell in final trading as global oil prices edged higher.
Dollar holds steady in Baghdad, strengthens in Erbil
The US dollar traded at stable levels in Baghdad on Saturday while showing strength in Erbil, with exchange rates varying slightly across the two cities.
Fuel shortages again snarl Baghdad traffic, close stations
Fuel shortages have returned to Baghdad and southern Iraq, closing dozens of filling stations and creating long queues for gasoline and gasoil.
Bessent's claim that Hormuz will lose value faces skeptical analysts
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent predicted the Strait of Hormuz would become "worthless" within two years as new pipelines divert energy exports, but energy analysts say the critical waterway will retain strategic importance for container shipping and liquefied natural gas.
Iraq opens new seed-processing lines in Nineveh
Two new seed cleaning and treatment lines began operating in Nineveh province, bringing the facility's total capacity to 30 tons per hour.
Iraq claims wheat and date self-sufficiency in 2026
Iraq's agriculture ministry said the country has achieved self-sufficiency in wheat and dates in 2026 and plans to limit imports of 33 agricultural products.
Russian crude surges as China turns away from Middle East suppliers
Russian ESPO crude has surged to a $10-a-barrel premium over Brent as Chinese refineries turn to the Pacific-shipped oil amid disrupted Middle Eastern supplies.
Scholar examines how Turkey's growing influence is reshaping Middle East dynamics
A researcher at Turkey's SETA foundation discusses how Ankara's growing regional influence is altering Middle Eastern power dynamics and security arrangements.
Al-Nujaba refuses disarmament, stays outside Iraqi politics
Al-Nujaba, an Iran-aligned armed faction, has rejected pressure to surrender weapons and reiterated its refusal to join Iraq's formal political process.
Dollar edges up against Iraqi dinar in Baghdad trading
The US dollar rose slightly against the Iraqi dinar in Thursday trading in Baghdad while holding steady in Erbil.
Germany struggles to deport migrants on criminal list
A list of 471 migrants subject to deportation from Germany has become a political scandal after authorities discovered individuals named in criminal cases were included, and only five have left the country since autumn 2024.
Blogger who guided civilians to safety in Mosul publishes account of ISIS occupation
Omar Mohammed, who blogged about the ISIS occupation of Mosul under the pseudonym Mosul Eye, has published an account describing how he coordinated evacuations and provided tactical intelligence to Iraqi and American forces while trapped in the city and later from exile in Paris.
Brent surges 7.6% on week as US-Iran clashes deepen
Brent crude rose 7.6 per cent this week as military clashes between the US and Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting fuel prices globally and deepening concerns about inflation.
Editorial Cartoonist Shadi Offers Takes on Global News
Cartoonist Shadi drew commentary on seven major international and technology stories in a collection published for September 5, 2026.
U.S. approves $800 million helicopter sale to Iraq
The United States has approved a potential $800 million Foreign Military Sale to Iraq including Bell helicopters, machine gun launchers, rocket systems and related equipment.
Iraq spent $34B on wages and welfare in first half of 2026, exceeding revenue
Iraq spent $34.1 billion on public-sector salaries and social welfare in the first half of 2026, accounting for 82 percent of federal spending and exceeding total revenue.
PUK official clarifies remarks on Khanaqin
A representative of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan says recent remarks by the party's Khanaqin office were misunderstood and not directed at any community.
Iran launches missile and drone strikes on U.S. positions across Middle East
Iran launched strikes on U.S. bases and interests in Jordan, Iraq and Bahrain, while a Saudi oil tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz with two Philippine crew members killed, in an escalation following American air strikes that killed at least 11 people in southern Iran.
Iran strikes Kurdish targets in Iraq as US tensions rise
Iran carried out drone and missile attacks on targets in Iraqi Kurdistan, including positions of the KDPI Kurdish opposition group, amid escalating tensions with the United States.
