Israel built two covert military bases in Iraqi desert to support Iran strikes, report claims One of the bases is reported to have been discovered by a shepherd who was later killed by Israeli forces The Independent UK · May 18
UAE fumes after Iranian attack near nuclear plant, warns of retaliation: 'Won't tolerate threat to security' The UAE strongly condemned a drone strike on its Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, calling it a dangerous escalation and a threat to regional stability. Saudi Arabia also intercepted drones from Iraq. Amidst rising tensions, US President Trump warned Iran to act swiftly, while Tehran threatened retaliation against perceived US-Israeli aggression. The Times of India · May 18
UAE and Saudi Arabia report drone incidents as Iran war deadlock drags on A drone strike caused a fire at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, while Saudi Arabia said it intercepted three drones that entered from Iraqi airspace, amid rising tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict. UAE officials called the attack a dangerous escalation and said they were investigating the… The Economic Times · May 18
Iraqi national smiles in court as he’s accused of plotting attack on New York synagogue Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi unknowingly tried to recruit an undercover officer to attack Jewish sites in the U.S., prosecutors say The Independent UK · May 16
Suezmax tanker with Iraqi crude reaches India after Hormuz transit An Iraqi crude oil tanker is heading towards India after navigating the Strait of Hormuz. Commercial ship movements through the vital waterway are still low. This comes as the conflict enters its twelfth week. Iran has not eased its blockade of Hormuz. The tanker Karolos was seen sailing away from… The Economic Times · May 16
Arrest of Iraqi terror suspect with alleged links to Iran’s Quds Force is astonishing but not surprising Iran has a long history of unconventional operations, all designed to divert, distract and destabilise current or potential enemies The Guardian - UK · May 16
Iraqi National Accused of Planning Terrorist Attacks in New York, Europe and Canada The Department of Justice announced on Friday that Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, 32, was charged with six terrorism-related offenses. International Business Times · May 15
Israeli forces set up a camp in the Iraqi desert during Iran war, officials say Israeli forces set up a temporary post in the Iraqi desert during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, according to officials The Independent UK · May 15
Iraq swears in new prime minister as US presses Baghdad to disarm Iran-backed groups Iraqi parliament approved Ali al-Zaidi's government on Thursday, with the new prime minister vowing a state monopoly on weapons as Washington leans on Baghdad to disarm Iran-backed groups. Euronews · May 15
Iraq's parliament approves partial Cabinet lineup Iraq's parliament has approved the government program and part of the Cabinet lineup of Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi The Independent UK · May 14
Iraq 2026 World Cup Preview: Lions of Mesopotamia Back After 40-Year Exile It took 40 years for Iraq to return to the world stage after its debut in 1986, but can Graham Arnold’s men deliver a performance the country has been waiting for? Sports Illustrated · May 14
Hidden UK estate near Heathrow once sheltered Iraqi king later assassinated in coup Stanwell Place, a storied estate on the outskirts of Heathrow, served as a critical meeting point for wartime strategists and even a young Iraqi monarch. Spanning several centuries, the impressive manor house, constructed in the early 1800s, played a pivotal role in the Allied efforts during World War II. The Times of India · May 11
Israel built, defended secret base in Iraq for war against Iran: Report Israel established a covert military installation in the Iraqi desert to support its air operations against Iran and later carried out airstrikes on Iraqi forces after they came close to discovering the site, The Wall Street Journal reported. The Times of India · May 10
Arnold reacts as Iraq set Asian Cup date with Socceroos Australia have drawn fellow World Cup-bound side Iraq, who will be led by the former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold, in next year's Asian Cup. AAP · May 9
The Guardian - US · May 9 ‘Your homes will be destroyed, your family killed’: the US has dropped millions of war propaganda leaflets – but do they work? An exhibit of psyops leaflets released in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya finally shows American people the messages that were made in their name
The Independent UK · May 8 Isis-linked Australian women returning from Syria charged with crimes against humanity Australia’s department of home affairs estimates that more than 200 Australians, including men, women and children, travelled to Syria and Iraq between 2012 and 2019 to support or join the terrorist group
The Guardian - UK · May 5 MoD has no system to detect civilian deaths caused by military, study shows Revelation comes after report commissioned by department released in response to charity’s FoI request
The Conversation · May 4 Gulf state cooperation has long been shaped by the threat of Iran − but shows of unity belie division Arab Gulf countries, battered economically and physically by the war with Iran, were keen to put on a united front at a key regional meeting on April 28, 2026.
The Independent UK · May 4 The nightmare of trying to save our son Jack from Isis THE LONGER READ: For 12 years, Sally Lane and John Letts have been fighting to bring their son Jack – held in Isis prisons in Syria and Iraq – back home to Oxford. They tell the story of how their lives fell apart to chief international correspondent Bel Trew
The Independent UK · May 1 War-battered Syria now sells itself as a safe corridor amid regional conflict Syria was once a battleground, enduring 14 years of civil war
The Times of India · Apr 30 Saudi Arabia executes Iraqi nationals convicted in northern border drug smuggling case Saudi Arabia has executed several Iraqi nationals. They were convicted of attempting to smuggle narcotics into the kingdom. The executions followed a thorough legal process. Saudi authorities are intensifying their crackdown on drug trafficking. This campaign targets organized criminal networks. The kingdom vows to impose strict punishments against smugglers.
The Guardian - UK · Apr 30 So many Iraqi women have been killed for having a voice. Tomorrow, it could be one of us In this week’s newsletter: the murder of Iraqi feminist Yanar Mohammed; how war has changed ordinary Iranians; and democracy under threat from climate breakdown
The Independent UK · Apr 28 UAE to leave Opec group of oil producers after six decades amid ‘volatility’ from Middle East energy shock UAE’s withdrawal will leave the oil group with 11 member countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq
Evening Standard · Apr 28 UAE to leave Opec group of oil producers amid Middle East energy shock The UAE joined Opec in 1967, and its departure will leave the oil cartel with 11 member countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq.
International Business Times UK · Apr 28 'Ghosts Started The Fire': Iraqi Migrant's Bizarre Excuse After Torching Essex Hotels An Iraqi asylum seeker, Rawand Abdulrahman, was jailed for 8.5 years for arson at two Essex hotels housing migrants. He blamed the fires on ghosts, highlighting tensions around asylum accommodations