Baghdad’s in the news after US missile strikes and embassy attacks amid rising Iran-US tensions; Iraq’s capital, pop. 8M, key Middle East hotspot.
The U.S. has begun transferring Islamic State detainees to Iraq following the collapse of Kurdish-led forces in northeast Syria. So far, fewer than 500 of the expected 7,000 fighters have been moved, amid Western concerns over repatriation and legal challenges. Iraq is wary of taking full custody due to capacity and political issues.
As of February 13, 2026, Iraq has received over 5,000 Islamic State (IS) detainees transferred from Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) prisons in northeast Syria. The transfers, coordinated by the US-led coalition, aim to prevent IS prisoners from escaping amid Syrian government advances. Iraq is investigating and prosecuting detainees under its laws, while humanitarian concerns persist in camps holding IS families.
Iraq's Shia alliance, the Coordination Framework, reaffirmed support for Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister despite US warnings that aid will be withdrawn if he is elected. The US opposes Maliki's return due to his Iran links, while Iraqi factions emphasize sovereignty and internal decision-making. The political process faces delays amid US-Iran tensions.
Iraq implemented new tariffs on January 1 to reduce debt and dependence on oil, leading to protests from traders and shop owners. Critics say tariffs as high as 30% burden citizens and cause port delays, while officials cite increased revenue and efforts to combat smuggling.
Since January 21, US forces have transferred over 5,700 suspected ISIS fighters from Syria to Iraq at Baghdad's request. The move aims to facilitate trials and prevent ISIS resurgence amid recent Syrian government offensives and regional instability. Syria reports control of al-Tanf base after US handover, while Iraqi authorities prepare for judicial proceedings.
Yanar Mohammed, a prominent Iraqi women's rights activist, was shot outside her Baghdad home and died from her injuries. Her work included establishing shelters for women facing violence and fighting against gender-based abuse. Her death highlights ongoing threats against activists in Iraq.
Joint Arab condemnation of cross-border attacks exposes Baghdad's failure to control armed proxies on its soil.
The US military has carried out 10 air strikes against ISIS targets in Syria between February 3 and 12, hitting infrastructure and weapons sites. Over 50 ISIS members have been killed or captured since December 13, and the US has transferred more than 5,700 detainees from Syria to Iraq amid ongoing military operations.
Following the US-Israeli strike that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on March 1, 2026, violent protests erupted across Pakistan, especially in Karachi, Skardu, and Islamabad. At least 10 people died in Karachi alone as protesters clashed with security forces near US diplomatic missions. Demonstrations also spread to Iraq, with protests outside the US embassy in Baghdad.
As of March 10, 2026, US military strikes against Iran have sparked widespread public concern. Polls show about half of Americans oppose the intervention, doubting Iran posed an imminent threat. Many fear rising oil prices and prolonged conflict. Casualties among US troops have been reported, and President Trump's approval rating has declined amid economic and security worries.
A missile struck the US Embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone, damaging part of its air defense system. No casualties reported. Iran-aligned groups have claimed or been linked to recent attacks amid ongoing regional conflict escalation. The attack follows recent strikes on Iran-backed groups and US bases in Iraq.
The US has increased security at its diplomatic posts amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Multiple drone attacks have targeted US facilities in Iraq, with at least three drones intercepted or crashing inside the embassy compound. The US continues military strikes against Iran, with significant casualties reported on both sides.
Iran continues missile and drone attacks on Gulf states, targeting energy infrastructure and shipping lanes. Dubai briefly closed its airspace after a drone hit a fuel tank. The US and allies face pressure to secure the Strait of Hormuz amid rising oil prices and regional instability.
On March 14, 2026, US forces bombed military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, a critical oil export terminal handling 90% of Iran's crude exports. President Trump declared military targets destroyed but spared oil infrastructure, warning it could be targeted if Iran disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran vowed retaliation against US-linked oil facilities. The US is deploying 2,500 Marines and warships to the Gulf amid escalating conflict.
On March 14, 2026, the US launched a major bombing raid on Kharg Island, Iran, claiming to obliterate military targets. Iran warns of retaliation, and regional tensions escalate as US and Iranian forces engage in ongoing conflict, with US deploying additional troops to the Middle East.
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.
Multiple rocket and drone attacks targeted US military and diplomatic facilities in Iraq, including Baghdad airport and the US embassy. Attacks have increased since mid-March, with Iran-backed groups claiming responsibility and calling for US troop withdrawal. No casualties reported in recent strikes.
As of March 20, 2026, the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran enters its third week with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed by Iranian attacks. President Trump publicly pressures Western and Asian allies to join a naval coalition to secure the strait, criticizing reluctance from countries like the UK, Germany, and Japan. Oil prices surge amid ongoing regional instability.
Iranian drone and missile attacks target US and Israeli interests, including Baghdad and Beirut, as Iran and Israel exchange strikes. Oil infrastructure is hit, and regional conflicts deepen, with Iran's leadership and US allies responding. The situation remains volatile with ongoing military actions and geopolitical tensions.
Pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq have announced a five-day pause on attacking the US embassy in Baghdad, citing conditions including an end to attacks on residential areas. The ceasefire follows a series of strikes targeting US interests and Iran-backed groups since late February, amid escalating regional tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route, remains largely closed after Iran's blockade following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Oil prices have surged about 50%, threatening a global economic shock. Western allies are hesitant to intervene militarily, complicating efforts to reopen the waterway.
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.
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.
On April 7, 2026, US freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson was released after being kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31 by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia. Her release followed negotiations involving Iraqi authorities and militia groups amid rising violence linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran. Despite her release, many foreign journalists have left Iraq due to security concerns.
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 US has halted dollar shipments and security cooperation to Iraq, intensifying pressure on Baghdad to curb Iran-backed militias. These measures threaten Iraq's economy and regional stability amid ongoing US-Iran tensions and political deadlock over the prime ministership.