Erbil/hawler in Iraq’s Kurdistan is in headlines as fighting spills into the region and Iran–US tensions rise, spotlighting the Kurdish capital’s strategic role. Capital of Kurdistan Region; major city since antiquity.
King Charles is expected to visit the US from April 27-29, including Washington and New York, to mark American independence. The trip faces scrutiny due to the ongoing Middle East conflict and strained UK-US relations, with some calling for it to be postponed amid political tensions and regional instability.
A French military officer was killed and six others wounded in a drone strike near Erbil, Iraq. The attack, attributed to pro-Iranian factions, follows recent regional escalations after US-Israeli strikes on Iran. France condemns the attack as unacceptable and calls for investigation.
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.
With Nowruz, the Iranian new year, celebrations face heavy scrutiny as the war with Israel and the United States intensifies. Across the US, Europe and Iran, communities are canceling, adapting, or rededicating rituals to honor heritage, mourn those lost, and affirm identity.
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 PKK says the peace process has been “frozen,” while Turkish authorities push ahead with a roadmap of legal reforms. Ankara demands disarmament verification, and Kurdish leaders are calling for a defined role for jailed PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan. The dispute continues as senior PKK figures and Turkish allies urge faster progress.