Capital of Iraq, on the Tigris; a historic, strategic hub
The Strait of Hormuz confrontation has intensified as Iran rejects foreign oversight and launches drone and missile strikes. A US-backed maritime route near Oman is expanding, provoking Tehran while top powers push for a ceasefire. Kuwait, Bahrain and other Gulf states report attacks and air defenses intercepting missiles and drones; Washington and Tehran trade retaliatory strikes.
As of April 10, 2026, Iraq has emerged as a critical battleground in the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. Iranian-backed militias and US forces have exchanged drone and airstrikes, killing hundreds including civilians, commanders, and UN peacekeepers. Iraq has authorized Iran-aligned Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) to defend themselves and demands stronger government action to contain escalating violence.
Freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson was abducted in Baghdad on March 31 by Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah. Iraqi security forces have arrested one suspect and are pursuing others. The US State Department is involved, emphasizing her safety amid ongoing regional tensions.
Shelly Renee Kittleson, a US freelance journalist, was kidnapped from a Baghdad street. Iraqi authorities believe she is held in the city, with suspicions pointing to Iran-linked militia Kataib Hezbollah. She had been warned of threats before her abduction, and a suspect was arrested during the chase.
Joint Arab condemnation of cross-border attacks exposes Baghdad's failure to control armed proxies on its soil.
Iraq's national football team secured its first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1986 with a 2-1 victory over Bolivia. The win was celebrated across Iraq and by the Iraqi community in Australia, despite logistical challenges caused by regional conflicts. Coach Graham Arnold received widespread praise for leading the team through adversity.
The kidnapping of US journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad has prompted foreign journalists to leave Iraq due to escalating security threats. Kittleson has been released after being held by Kataeb Hezbollah, which demanded she leave the country immediately. The security situation remains volatile.
Freelance US journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released after being kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31. Iraqi and US officials have been coordinating to secure her freedom; Kataib Hezbollah-linked militants are being blamed and a video showing Kittleson under duress has been circulated. Many foreign journalists have left Baghdad and embassies are urging departures.
Iraq has elected Nizar Amidi as president after a delayed vote, as the country continues to recover from the US-Israeli war on Iran. The election occurs during ongoing violence linked to the conflict, with Iraq facing political and economic instability. The prime minister's appointment remains unresolved.
The United States has placed multimillion-dollar bounties on two Iran-aligned Iraqi militia leaders and paused security cooperation with Iraq as it pressures Baghdad to curb militias linked to Tehran amid ongoing regional tensions and a stalled government formation in Baghdad.
Iraqi PM-designate Ali al-Zaidi is navigating joint internal bloc negotiations and US pressure as he moves to form a cabinet within 30 days, amid stakes tied to Iran-aligned factions and wider regional security concerns.
Drones have approached the Green Zone in Baghdad, triggering air-defence responses. The drone escaped after fire was opened; no immediate damage or casualties have been reported. The episode follows a string of recent attacks around the Green Zone as tensions over Iran-backed groups remain high.
Multiple outlets have reported that Israel has established covert military sites in Iraq's western desert to support air operations against Iran. Reports say the installations have hosted special forces, logistics and search-and-rescue teams; Iraqi patrols investigating were struck in early March, killing one soldier and injuring others.
Iraq’s new prime minister has formed a partial cabinet with 14 ministers approved by parliament. Interior and defence posts remain unresolved as lawmakers grapple with coalition lines and external pressure from the U.S. and Iran amid ongoing regional tensions.
Iraqi security forces have arrested dozens in a corruption probe tied to figures from the previous government. The operation targets state resources and contracts, with immunity lifted for several lawmakers. The move follows Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s anti-corruption push and orders to review recent contracts.