# Iraq
Latest news and articles about Iraq
Total: 28 articles found
Iraq’s Resurgence on the Global Stage: The Lions of Mesopotamia Prepare for World Cup Clash in Boston
Iraq's national football team is set to face Norway in their 2026 World Cup Group I opener in Boston. Led by coach Graham Arnold, the team views the tournament as both a tactical challenge and a significant opportunity for national unity and global representation.
Lions of Mesopotamia in Boston: Iraq’s Quest for Global Recognition at the 2026 World Cup
The Iraqi national football team is finalizing preparations in Boston for their 2026 World Cup Group I opener against Norway. The match serves as a high-stakes platform for the nation to demonstrate its sporting resurgence and national unity on the world stage.
Fraying at the Edges: Why Iraq’s Powerful Pro-Iran Militias are Trading Rockets for Political Survival
Major Iraqi pro-Iran militias have announced their disarmament and integration into state forces, signaling a significant decline in Tehran's regional influence. Driven by economic hardship in Iran and the fear of military escalation, these groups are pivoting toward political legitimacy and local survival.
Baghdad’s Living Heritage: Weaving Post-Conflict Identity Through Ancient Crafts
The 2026 Iraq Living Heritage Festival in Baghdad showcases traditional pottery and weaving to preserve ancient folk arts. By engaging the youth in these historical crafts, Iraq aims to strengthen its national identity and promote cultural recovery in a post-conflict era.
Sovereignty in the Sands: Baghdad Asserts Control Over Desert Frontiers
The Iraqi military has officially denied the presence of any foreign military forces in the country's desert regions following a series of security sweeps. This announcement serves as a strategic assertion of sovereignty amidst intense domestic pressure for the withdrawal of international coalition troops.
Chokehold on the Hormuz: Iraq’s Oil Exports Collapse Amid Escalating Regional Conflict
Iraq's crude exports through the Strait of Hormuz have collapsed by nearly 90% due to the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Baghdad is now attempting a strategic pivot toward northern pipelines and increased OPEC cooperation to mitigate the economic impact.
Shadow Bases and Sovereign Breaches: Israel’s Desperate Gamble in the Iraqi Desert
Israel has reportedly established a secret military base in western Iraq to support long-range air strikes against Iran and provide emergency rescue for pilots. The discovery of the site by a local shepherd led to a deadly clash between the IDF and Iraqi troops, highlighting the extreme measures Israel is willing to take to overcome its regional logistical limitations.
Oil for Risk: Baghdad’s Desperate Gambit to Breach the Hormuz Blockade
Iraq is offering a massive $33.40 per barrel discount on its crude oil to incentivize buyers to transit the dangerous Strait of Hormuz. Following a 70% drop in export volumes due to US-Israel-Iran military tensions, Baghdad is also diversifying its export strategy through pipelines in Turkey and truck convoys through Syria.
Tehran’s Shadow: Quds Force Commander Reasserts Influence in Baghdad’s Political Shuffling
IRGC Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani’s strategic visit to Baghdad highlights Iran’s direct role in overseeing Iraq's government formation. By framing the process as an issue of sovereignty and labeling the US and Israel as criminals, Tehran seeks to consolidate its influence while pushing for the removal of Western presence.
Tehran’s Shadow Over Baghdad: IRGC Commander Asserts Influence Amid Iraqi Power Struggle
IRGC Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani confirmed a strategic visit to Baghdad to oversee Iraqi government formation and warn against U.S. and Israeli interference. The move highlights Tehran's determination to maintain Iraq as a primary sphere of influence while framing Western presence as a violation of sovereignty.
Iraq’s Seven-Day Hope: Can Baghdad Really Survive the Hormuz Blockade?
Iraq claims it can restore pre-war oil export levels within a week if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, despite production having fallen by 80% in its southern fields. While Iran suggests Iraq is exempt from maritime blockades, Baghdad is struggling with a lack of infrastructure redundancy and frequent drone attacks on its facilities.
Strengthening the Shia Axis: Khamenei Applauds Iraqi Solidarity Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has formally thanked Iraqi religious leaders and citizens for their support during recent periods of aggression. The message aims to solidify the strategic and religious alliance between Tehran and Baghdad amid ongoing regional instability.