Iraq
US denies closing Baghdad embassy amid evacuation videos
US Embassy in Baghdad denied closing its compound on June 20, reaffirming its commitment to advancing American policy priorities in Iraq.
Gas flowing from Iran to Turkey without interruption, says minister
Fifth of Turkey's oil imports pass Strait of Hormuz. Ankara confident it could replace these shipments if passage was disrupted amid conflict.
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: US told Turkey war was imminent. There’s more to Ankara’s stance on conflict than meets the eye
Israeli jets entered Turkish airspace. Erdogan hardly blinked.
Pakistan evacuation speaks volumes as diplomats’ families, non-essential staff depart Iran
Pakistan has begun evacuating the families of its diplomatic personnel and some non-essential staff from Iran, a senior official from the Foreign Ministry confirmed on June 17.
Airlines scrap week’s worth of Turkey flights to Iran, Iraq and Jordan as Israel keeps up its bombing of Iranians
To avoid danger zone, aircraft diverted to airports in locations including Istanbul, Baku and Cyprus.
Airlines clear Middle East airspace following Israeli strikes on Iran
Commercial aircraft evacuated from airspace above Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan on June 13 after Israeli forces launched attacks targeting Iranian facilities.
How Turkey freed Islamic State suspects after G7 terrorist money watchdog took country off grey list
Fact that trial of 19 alleged terror finance individuals was being pursued was factor in FATF’s decision to end listing.
Iraq and Kuwait launch joint project to combat dust storms
Iraq's Ministry of Agriculture has announced a joint project with Kuwait aimed at reducing dust and sand storms that have increased in frequency and intensity over the past two years.
CITIES IN PERIL: Cities confront the rising tide of climate change
Fast and chaotic urban population growth combined with climate challenges on multiple fronts are putting cities at risk around the world.
Iraq secures return of three rare ancient artefacts from New York
The Embassy of Iraq in Washington announced the recovery of three rare artefacts from New York, marking another step in the country's efforts to protect its cultural heritage.
Heat crisis intensifies as military student dies in Iraq's scorching temperatures
At least one military student has died and eight others were hospitalised after suffering heat stroke due to historically high temperatures in the region.
UK treasury chief says closer to signing trade deal with Gulf Arab states
The UK is closer to finalising a trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said on May 20.
Iraq rediscovers its forgotten Somalian refinery after 45 years
An Iraqi oil refinery built in Somalia in the 1970s has remained abandoned for nearly 45 years, before re-emerging into public awareness during recent diplomatic talks.
Arab League leaders call for Gaza ceasefire at Baghdad summit amid regional crises
Gaza and Lebanon dominated the 34th Arab League Summit as some top brass skipped attendance.
In Kurdish peace moves, expect ailing founder Ocalan to get Turkish Riviera house arrest and “Real PKK” splinter to emerge, says analyst
Ankara thinks it can “mop up” those who continue fighting, adds Soner Cagaptay.
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Who's to say PKK guns won't be used under a different name?
And anyway, despite what you are reading, the militants' so-called name has not been in use since 2002.
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HALLIGAN: Power struggle in OPEC+ is pulling oil prices down
The oil market has entered choppy waters once again. Crude prices fell by a dramatic 18% in April y/y – the sharpest monthly drop since November 2021 – partly due to a global slowdown, but more due to a power struggle within OPEC+.
Iraq losing $1mn daily due to dust storms
Iraq is losing approximately $1mn per day due to dust and sandstorms that strike the country, according to a report by the Iraq Green Observatory, an environmental affairs monitoring body.
Iraq facing worst drought in history as water resources dwindle and climate crisis intensifies
Iraq is facing what officials are calling the "worst drought in its history," as water resources continue to dwindle and agricultural land deteriorates across the country, threatening both human security and economic stability.
Unemployed Iraqi engineers block Lukoil’s site in Basra
Unemployed engineers from northern Basra demonstrated today in front of the West Qurna 2 oil field operated by Russian company Lukoil on April 27.