Iraq

Iran strikes Iranian opposition group Kurdistan Freedom Party in latest attack - analysis

This comes after Iran has targeted the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), Komala, and Khabat groups in recent weeks, and is also pressing Iraq to expel Kurdish Iranian opposition groups.

Iranian Kurdish fighters from the Kurdistan Freedom Party, known as PAK take part in a training session at a base on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq February 12, 2026.
Iraqi security forces stand at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after Iraq closed the crossing following airstrikes on the Iranian side that security sources said killed an Iraqi citizen, Iraq, April 4, 2026.

Iraq closes southern border crossing with Iran amid US pressure on Baghdad

Supporters of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) chant slogans and wave flags at a rally celebrating the end of the U.S. military presence in Iraq on September 30, 2026 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Mysterious explosion hits Baghdad, injuring soldiers from Iranian-backed militias in Iraq

Illustrative: Komala party members look towards the debris is strewn from mangled structures following drone strikes on the Iranian Kurdish opposition Komala party's Sordash camp, which resulted in the death of a female party member and the injury of two others, April 15, 2026.

Iran attacks Komala Kurdish opposition group in Iraq amid increased regional tensions


Islamic State claims responsibility for attack that killed policeman near Iraq's Kirkuk

Despite the defeat of the Islamic State’s self-declared caliphate nearly a decade ago, the group retains sleeper cells in Iraq, Iraqi security officials told Reuters ahead of the US withdrawal.

An Iraqi police patrol transports Iraqi detainees to the Karkh Court during the trial of six French citizens accused of terrorism in Baghdad, on October 5, 2026; Illustrative.

Seeking to prevent crisis, Iraq condemns desecration of US flag by pro-Iranian militias - analysis

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made it clear he had given orders to arrest the perpetrators who drove over a US flag.

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces running over American flag.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq determined to retain arms after US withdrawal - interview

With the US military's complete withdrawal from Iraq, Baghdad projects a celebratory sense of “sovereignty” despite Iranian-backed militias retaining power there.

A stage with a banner for Sovereignty Day in Baghdad Wednesday, 30th September 2026

Iran-backed militias trample US flag, exposing Iraq’s sovereignty problem - analysis

The trampling of the American flag by the militias is not new. However, the US will now focus on its activities after leaving Iraq. Iraq is talking about “sovereignty.”

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces running over American flag.

Despite US sanctions on Iranian flights, up to forty a day may still fly to Iraq’s Najaf - analysis

Iraq has become central to Iran's strategic chessboard in the region as Tehran seeks to expand its influence while navigating increasing US sanctions.

Demonstrators gather outside the Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf International Airport in Najaf on September 28, 2026, demanding the facility to be reopened for flights from Iran.

Day one for the new Iraq after US Forces leave - analysis

The US's 23-year presence in Iraq ended as both sides offer their characterization of the conflict and look to the future.

Celebrations after the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq, in Baghdad Wednesday, 30th September 2026

Joy mixed with fear as US forces leave Iraq amid potential security vacuum

Some Iraqi security officials say the US pullout also risks giving new life to ISIS fighters, who, despite the defeat of their self-proclaimed caliphate nearly a decade ago, retain a cell network.

A member of the Iraqi security forces, flashes the victory sign during a military parade marking the withdrawal of the US-led coalition from Iraq, in Baghdad on September 30, 2026.

As US ends operations in Iraq, Baghdad celebrates its withdrawal and renewed sovereignty - analysis

Baghdad asked the US to return. Now, in a kind of “no good deed goes unpunished” manner, Iraq is celebrating the US leaving after asking the US for help.

Supporters of a Shi'ite armed group celebrate the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq, ending a military presence that began after the 2003 US-led invasion, in Baghdad, Iraq, September 30, 2026.

As US leaves Iraq, Baghdad sees withdrawal as 'symbol of sovereignty' - analysis

Iraq’s depiction of the US withdrawal as leading to “sovereignty” shows how Baghdad has not valued the US role in fighting ISIS and maintaining order in the country.

Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi speaks during a parliamentary session to vote in a new government headed by Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister, at the parliament headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, May 14, 2026.

Iraqi Airways to resume Iran flights in October after securing US exemption

The announcement follows Reuters reporting on Monday that the Trump administration was set to grant a one-month US Treasury waiver allowing Iraqi Airways to fly between Iran and Najaf.

Iraqi Airways aircraft are parked at the gates at Baghdad airport on February 20, 2025; Illustrative.