A major political development in Iraq as Ali Al-Zaidi has been nominated as the country’s new prime minister-designate.

Known for his background in business, Al-Zaidi’s nomination marks a notable shift in Iraq’s political landscape, potentially signaling a move toward technocratic or outsider leadership.

The decision comes at a critical time as Iraq navigates economic challenges, governance issues, and regional pressures.

Iraq's Shi'ite Political Blocs Name Al-Zaidi As PM Candidate 

Iraq’s President Nizar Amedi has named Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate and tasked him with forming a government, Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Iraq has reported.

Al-Zaidi was named earlier on Monday as the candidate of the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shia parties that has a majority in parliament. His nomination sees him promoted over a pro-Iranian rival.

Iraq: Businessman Ali Al-Zaidi Nominated as PM-Designate After US Opposition To Nouri Al-Maliki

Iraq is facing a deepening political crisis as Shia parties remain divided over the appointment of a new Prime Minister. The deadlock reflects broader tensions, with Baghdad trying to balance its ties between the United States and Iran. Disagreements among key lawmakers have stalled the process, raising concerns about governance and stability in the country. As the impasse continues, Iraq’s fragile political landscape faces renewed uncertainty at a critical time.


Iraq's Shia Political Groups Delay Appointment of Prime Minister 

Iraq has reopened a key border crossing with Syria after a decade, aiming to boost fuel oil exports and strengthen regional trade routes. The move is expected to improve energy flow and economic cooperation between the two countries, marking a significant step in restoring cross-border connectivity amid shifting Middle East trade dynamics.


Iraq-Syria Border Crossing Reopens For First Time In Over A Decade 

Iraq Reopens Crossing to Boost Fuel Oil Exports Via Syria; Crossing Reopens After a Decade

Parts of the Kuwait Consulate building in Basra were vandalised by a mob following deadly rocket strikes in southern Iraq, triggering unrest in the region. Protesters stormed the diplomatic compound after several people were killed in the nearby Khor al-Zubair area, escalating tensions and drawing strong condemnation from Kuwait over violations of diplomatic norms.


Protesters Storm Kuwaiti Consulate in Iraq After Deadly Basra Rocket Attack

Breaking: Mob Vandalises Parts of Consulate Building After Strikes in Basra 

Iraq has suspended trade and passenger movement through the Shalamcheh border crossing, a key transit route connecting Iraq and Iran, amid rising regional security concerns linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The crossing is vital for commerce, pilgrims, and cross-border travel, and the suspension signals growing caution along critical frontier routes.


Iraq Suspends Trade & Passenger Movement Through Shalamcheh Crossing

An Iraqi armed group calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq says its fighters have carried out 19 operations targeting US bases in Iraq and the wider region over the past few days, using drones and missiles in the strikes.


Iraqi Resistance Fighter Carry 19 Anti-US Ops Across Iraq

A drone strike has targeted oil storage facilities in Basra, Iraq, raising concerns over disruptions in the country’s key energy infrastructure. Authorities reported damage to storage tanks, though no casualties have been confirmed so far. The strike comes amid rising tensions in the region, highlighting vulnerabilities in Iraq’s oil sector and the potential impact on global energy markets. Security forces are investigating the source and scale of the attack. 


Breaking: Drone Strike Targets Oil Storage in Iraq’s Basra

Double strikes have reportedly targeted positions linked to Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) amid escalating tensions connected to the wider West Asia conflict. The attacks mark another sign of the conflict’s spillover beyond primary theatres, raising concerns about the involvement of regional armed groups and the risk of further escalation across Iraq.


West Asia War: Double Strikes Target Popular Mobilisation Forces in Iraq

Thousands of Kurds celebrate the new year festival of Nowruz in the hub city of Akra in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region. They wear traditional Kurdish clothes, climb a mountain holding torches, launch fireworks and play music.


Iraq: Kurds Celebrate Nowruz in Kurdistan Region Despite Security Concerns In West Asia

A drone attack has struck a U.S. diplomatic facility in Baghdad, Iraq, in what officials suspect may be a retaliatory move by pro-Tehran militias amid the escalating regional conflict. The incident comes as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to rise.

Sources say the strike targeted a diplomatic support site linked to U.S. operations in Iraq. Security agencies are investigating the attack, while authorities have increased alert levels around American installations in the region.

US-Iran War: Drone Strike Targets US Embassy in Baghdad; Iraqi Security Confirms Attack

The war between the United States and Iran is growing more complex as Donald Trump delivers mixed signals on the conflict’s trajectory. While declaring that Iran is “paying a big price,” the U.S. president has also hinted at both escalation and possible endgame scenarios. Meanwhile, the United States Department of the Treasury signaled that no cost is considered “unaffordable,” even as the United States Department of Defense reportedly spent over $11.3 billion in the first week of operations. The situation intensified further after the crash of a KC‑135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft in Iraq, marking the fourth American aircraft loss since the war began.


US-Iran War: US Loses KC-135 Refueling Aircraft In Iraq

A dramatic rescue operation saved 51 crew members after tankers were attacked off the coast of Iraq. According to officials, the vessels came under attack in waters near the Persian Gulf, triggering an emergency response. Rescue teams and nearby ships rushed to evacuate the sailors and bring them to safety. 


Israel-Iran War: 51 Crew Rescued After Tanker Attack Near Iraq Coast 

The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned a drone attack near its consulate in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, calling it a “cowardly terrorist” act that violated international norms and threatened regional security. Officials said the strike caused material damage but no injuries and urged Iraqi authorities to identify those responsible. 


UAE Slams Drone Attack Near Erbil Consulate | Erbil A Key Target Amid Iran Conflict 

Israel says it has launched a broad wave of strikes on government targets in Tehran as the war with Iran continues to escalate. The Israeli military said the attacks targeted sites linked to Iranian authorities in the capital.


US-Iran War: 4 Iranian Drones Shot Down Over Erbil, Iraq

Iraq’s participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 playoff in Mexico has become uncertain amid administrative and logistical challenges within the country’s football federation. With qualifiers looming and preparations disrupted, Iraqi officials are scrambling to resolve issues that could determine whether the national team travels to compete for a spot in the global tournament.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Iraq's World Cup Playoff Participation in Mexico is Uncertain

A coalition of Iraq-based Iranian Kurdish parties has renewed calls for the overthrow of Iran’s ruling establishment. The alliance says it seeks political change in Tehran, citing long-standing grievances and regional tensions.
The development adds a new dimension to already strained Iran-Iraq border dynamics and raises questions about regional stability, Kurdish political movements, and Tehran’s response.

Iraq-Based Iranian Kurdish Coalition Calls for Overthrow of Tehran Regime

U.S. officials say they prevented a near-catastrophic prison break involving nearly 6,000 ISIS terrorists held in northern Syria. According to Fox News, the detainees were transferred to Iraqi custody amid fears that instability could trigger a mass escape.


US 'Secretly' Airlifted 6,000 ISIS Terrorists From Syria to Iraq 

Syria’s Defence Ministry says its troops have regained control of the strategic Al-Tanf military base near the Iraq–Jordan border following the withdrawal of US forces. The development marks a significant shift in the regional security landscape and border dynamics.


Syria Resumes Control of Key Near Iraq & Jordan Border 

Iraq has assumed custody of thousands of ISIS detainees, with officials estimating returns could exceed 7,000 suspected militants. The cross-border transfer marks a new phase in regional security efforts, as Baghdad opens a major security dossier on the issue.


Iraq Takes Custody of Over 7,000 ISIS Detainees as Cross-Border Transfer Enters New Phase

Iran's axis of resistance is in preparation mode. Another armed faction Iraq’s Saraya Awliya al-dam unveils missile arsenal, joins the bandwagon amid U.S. Threats.


BREAKING: Iraq's Armed Faction Unveils Underground Missile Tunnel

President Trump intervened bluntly in Iraq's PM race, threatening to terminate U.S. assistance if Nouri al-Maliki-nominated by Shiite bloc and seen as Iran ally-takes power, blaming his prior term for poverty and chaos.

Donald Trump Warns of Total Chaos in Iraq if Maliki Returns to Power

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani after the transfer of detainees linked to ISIL (ISIS) from Syria to Iraq, and he urged Baghdad to keep a distance from Iran amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.



US Warns Iraq Against Electing Pro-Iran Prime Minister 

US forces have withdrawn from the Ain al-Asad air base, handing full control to Iraqi security forces, Iraqi officials confirmed. The base, located in western Iraq, has been a central hub for US and coalition operations during the fight against the Islamic State group.


US Forces Exit Key Iraqi Air Base As Baghdad Takes Full Control

In southern iraq, ---
A new project is underway to combat the growing threat of sand and dust storms,---
Which have become more frequent and severe due to climate change... 

 Iraq Fights Desertification With Green Plan

Iraq is grappling with the devastating impacts of climate change, as deadly floods sweep across the northern regions while the south faces a worsening water crisis. Torrential rains have caused widespread destruction in governorates like Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk, and Nineveh, leading to multiple fatalities, injuries, and the displacement of thousands. 

Iraq Faces Climate Change Fury: Deadly Floods, Water Crisis

Northern Iraq has been struck by deadly floods, leaving widespread destruction and forcing thousands to evacuate. Meanwhile, the southern region is grappling with an escalating water crisis, as shortages intensify and communities struggle to access clean water. 

Iraq Water Crisis: Deadly Floods Sweep Northern Iraq, South Faces Water Crisis

Heavy rains have triggered severe flooding in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, leaving streets submerged and damaging dozens of homes. Emergency teams rushed to assist stranded residents as rising water levels disrupted transport and caused widespread property loss.


Iraq floods: Heavy rain triggers flooding in Sulaymaniyah 

Iraq’s province of Najaf has lost nearly 10,000 acres of surface water as climate change intensifies across the region. Rising temperatures, declining rainfall, and rapid evaporation have accelerated water depletion, threatening agriculture, livelihoods, and local ecosystems.

'Najaf' Loses 10,000 Acres of Surface Water Due to Climate Change

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