Iraq
US push to pressure Iran providing fresh incentive for trans-Caspian pipeline
Turkmenistan showing interest in the idea.
Palestinian ambassador pledges Iraqi embassy in Jerusalem
Palestinian ambassador pledges to open Iraqi embassy in Jerusalem as Iraq lays foundation stone for Palestinian ambassador's residence in Baghdad's new diplomatic quarter covering 300 hectares.
Switzerland reopens Baghdad embassy after 30-year closure
Switzerland reopened its Baghdad embassy after 30 years, with Iraqi and Swiss foreign ministers officiating ceremony reflecting confidence in Iraq's stability and signalling expanded economic cooperation.
Roblox, Fortnite banned in Iraq over child safety concerns
Iraq's Ministry of Interior to ban PUBG, Fortnite and Roblox within next few months under 2013 law prohibiting games encouraging violence, citing threat to social security and waste of youth time.
Scandal erupts in Iraq over HIV infected blood transfusions to children
Four-year-old girl dies from AIDS in Basra after receiving contaminated blood transfusion, while 14-year-old boy also infected.
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Spymaster tells Istanbul audience MI6 forged relationship with Syria’s HTS in 2023
Over in New York, country’s president, ex-Al Qaeda man al-Sharaa, is interviewed on-stage by a former CIA chief.
Trump administration intensifies pressure on Iraq to cut ties with Iran
The US has ramped up a series of behind-the-scenes pressure tactics on Iraq aimed at reducing Iranian influence across key sectors.
Iraq to formally apply for Baghdad as Islamic tourism capital in 2028
Iraq plans formal application to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for Baghdad as 2028 Islamic tourism capital, highlighting city's historical significance as former Abbasid Caliphate centre.
Egypt’s Petromaint wins $121mn Iraqi oilfield maintenance deal, eyes operations in Algeria
Petromaint, a unit of Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum, has secured a $121mn contract to provide full maintenance services at Iraq’s Zubair oilfield, and is mulling establishing a specialised maintenance and construction services plant in Algeria.
Britain tightens controls on Iraqi migrants with new returns agreement
Britain signs new agreement with Iraq to return illegal migrants as Home Secretary Dan Jarvis announces formal repatriation process following previous £800,000 anti-smuggling deal.
More than 300,000 Syrians may have gone missing under Assad's rule, new investigations reveal
Syria's National Authority for the Missing estimates up to 300,000 people disappeared under Assad rule from 1970 onwards, with 63 documented mass graves mapped across the country.
Four million pilgrims from 140 nations converge on Iraq for Arba'een
At least 4.1mn people have attended the 2025 Araba'een pilgrimage in Iraq, according to local officials.
Gulf region sees temperatures spike above 52°C (125.6°F) as electricity grids buckle
Iraq forecasts seven provinces to exceed 52°C on Friday as extreme summer heat continues with temperatures reaching half the boiling point across southern regions.
Iraq launches $2bn dairy and food industry projects in Karbala
Iraq launches $2bn food industry projects in Karbala including dairy factory with 3,000-tonne daily capacity and meat facility processing 1,500 cattle daily, operated by Etihad Food Industries.
Iraq greenlights pharmaceutical factory and power projects in reconstruction push
Iraq approves pharmaceutical factory in Mosul and new power projects as part of reconstruction drive. Committee chaired by PM Al-Sudani endorses housing, electricity and industrial investments.
European Union allocates €1.1mn to address urgent water crisis in Iraq
The European Union is allocating €1.1mn million in humanitarian funding to address the escalating water crisis in Basra, southern Iraq, as climate change continues to dry out the country.