Iraqi Kurdish politician, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region since 2019
The Iraqi prime minister-designate has arrived in Washington as Washington pressures Baghdad to disarm Iran-backed militias and curb corruption. The visit centers on expanding economic ties, attracting investment, and reinforcing state control, amid Tehran’s influence and security challenges.
Iranian strikes on Kurdish dissident camps in Iraqi Kurdistan have intensified, with drones, missiles, and air defenses reported. Erbil and nearby bases have faced downed drones and fires, while Iraqi Kurdish authorities condemn the attacks and call on Tehran to stop the escalation. The United States-led coalition is monitoring the developments as violence threatens regional stability.
Kurdistan authorities have reported Iranian-launched drones struck the private office of KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and the residence of the region's security agency chief on 17 August, with no casualties. The attacks come as Baghdad presses for a September 30 deadline to bring armed factions under state control and as cross-border strikes and US-Saudi operations have raised tensions across Iraq.
The United States is finalizing a drawdown in northern Iraq, with hundreds of troops set to depart by September 30. Iraq’s government links the exit to a demand for militias to disarm, but Iran-backed groups are signaling that disarmament is unlikely and favor regulation instead. Tehran seeks to keep influence in Iraq while Baghdad weighs its options amid regional tensions.
The US-led coalition has formally concluded its combat and operational presence in Iraq, winding down to an advisory role. Iraqi forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga are expected to lead security efforts, with the government emphasising sovereignty while pro-Iran factions press for disarmament and continued influence.
The United States has completed the withdrawal of its forces from Iraq, ending a 12-year campaign against ISIL. Iraq will lead security efforts going forward, with Kurdish forces and Iraqi security services preparing to shoulder responsibilities. Sovereignty Days are marked as Iraq shifts to an Iraqi-led security posture amid regional tensions.