Iraq’s Sadr says 'exclude' armed groups from next government as pressure builds The cleric's call comes as Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi tries to form a government amid political divisions and US demands to curb the influence of Iran-backed actors. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hormuz clashes cloud diplomacy as US awaits Iran response US strikes and renewed exchanges in Hormuz cast doubt on the ceasefire as the Trump administration awaits Tehran’s response to a new proposal. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
US sets expectations for Iraq’s next PM to confront Iranian militias The Trump administration is cautiously sizing up Iraq’s new prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, as a potential partner in pushing back on Iranian influence. Iran
Analysis Iraq’s Zaidi offers economic promise for Turkey but unknowns loom Iraq’s prime minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, is expected to sustain growing economic and strategic ties with Turkey thanks to his business-oriented approach, though uncertainty over his political stance could test cooperation on sensitive issues. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis MENA wheat importers face food security risks as Hormuz crisis festers By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
What is Behind Increase In Sectarian Killings in Iraq? A recent spate of execution-style killings in Iraq has again brought into question the effectiveness of the Iraqi security services, writes Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
Iraqi National Security Adviser Says Terrorism Linked to Havens in Syria In an interview with Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Iraqi National Security Adviser Faleh al-Fayad describes the intricate regional and internal factors affecting his job, and what the future holds for Iraq’s national security. Iraq
Government's Decision Threatens Iraqi Automotive Industry The Iraqi government recently issued a decision imposing heavy registration fees on those who purchase new cars, a move that could destroy the country’s automotive trade, writes Omar al-Shaher. Iraq
Baghdad-Kuwait Flights to Resume After 22-Year Hiatus Iraq’s national carrier, Iraqi Airways, is about to begin a twice-weekly service from Baghdad to Kuwait, a development that shows progress in reconciliation between the two former foes, writes Omar al-Shaher. Kuwait
Controversial Iraqi Cleric Arrested in Iran The arrest in Iran of prominent Shiite cleric Ahmad Qabanji, known for his progressive interpretation of Islam, has sparked fury among his supporters, writes Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
Barzani Plans to Host Summit As Iraqi Political Crisis Worsens Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani plans to host a summit of Iraq's political leaders as the country's political crisis worsens, writes Bushra Al Mudhafar. Iraq
Maliki Wields 'De-Baathification' In Iraqi Power Struggle Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is facing accusations that he has been abusing the role of the Justice and Accountability Committee, using it only against opponents, writes Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
Who Will Pay IOCs in Iraqi Kurdistan? An Iraqi-Turkish oil pipeline for exports from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq might reduce tensions between Baghdad and Erbil, while improving Iraqi-Turkish ties, writes Denise Natali. Iraq
Rift Deepens Between Maliki and Iraqi Speaker The tensions between Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Iraqi parliament speaker Osama al-Nujaifi signal a deepening of sectarian and political divisions, writes Ali Abel Sadah. Iraq
Iraqi Kurdistan Struggles to Meet Needs of Displaced Syrian Kurds The Kurdistan Region of Iraq is struggling with the number of displaced Syrian Kurds flowing into the region, writes Abdel Hamid Zebari. Iraq
Turkey Contributes To Iraqi Fragmentation Turkey’s relationship with the Kurdistan Regional Government may be undermining its long-term economic and energy interests in Iraq, writes Necdet Pamir. Iraq
Iraq Restores Historic Ottoman Site The Iraqi government is paying more attention to the country’s heritage sites, such as the old Ottoman headquarters of Qishla in Baghdad, writes Omar al-Shaher. Iraq