Hezbollah, Iraqi armed groups remain sidelined as Israel strikes Iran

Despite Israel's ongoing attacks on Iranian territory, key Iran-backed groups such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah have largely refrained from responding.

Erdogan tells Trump ‘urgent action’ needed to avoid spillover of Israel-Iran conflict

"President Erdogan hailed the recent comments by US President Trump concerning a resolution of the conflict between Israel and Iran... and stressed that urgent action is needed to prevent a catastrophe that could inflame the whole region," the Turkish presidency said in a statement.

Iraqi PM offers assistance to Tehran in call with Iranian President

Sudani called Iran’s response to the Israeli attacks “a source of pride,” according to Iranian state media.

Pro-Iran Iraqi group warns retaliation should US intervene in Iran-Israel conflict

The militant group called on the Iraqi government to take action and close down the US Embassy and expel US troops.

US must bear ‘responsibility’ for Israel attacks: Iranian FM

Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi on Sunday said the US is complicit in Israel's attacks on Iran and Washington "must accept the responsibility."

Iraq received ‘promise’ from Iran regarding US interests

Iraqi state media also reported that Iraq has “officially asked the United States of America not to allow Israeli aircraft to violate Iraqi airspace," citing an Iraqi official.

Iran says participation in nuclear talks ‘unclear’ amid Israel escalation

A sixth round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran was scheduled to be held in Oman on Sunday.

Features

Dying waters: Climate change forces Iraq’s marsh families into urban struggle

Once thriving on the rich ecosystems of Iraq’s southern marshes, families like that of Naji Arhim have been uprooted by severe drought and water shortages. Generations of fishermen and buffalo herders have seen their lands turn to dust, pushing them into cities where their traditional skills no longer apply.

Critics say free speech under attack in Iraq's Anbar province

As elections approach, activists, civil servants, and tribal leaders in Iraq’s Anbar province report arrests, forced transfers, and online surveillance of citizens criticizing the ruling Taqaddum party.

After years of tribal conflicts, Dhi Qar sees decline in violence

After years of tribal conflicts, Iraq’s Dhi Qar province has seen a sharp decline in violence, with only 25 disputes recorded in early 2025 compared to 158 in 2023.

Iraq’s provincial councils face criticism after 2023 return

Since their reinstatement in 2023, Iraq’s provincial councils have failed to deliver meaningful results, instead becoming scenes of political conflict, legal disputes, and public frustration.

Gold mines in Iran’s Kurdish regions: Between riches and sorrows

The gold-rich Kurdish regions of western Iran grapple with the serious environmental and health consequences arising from mining the precious commodity, launching a campaign to stop the drilling which has seen elevated instances of cancer and the destruction of local flora and fauna.

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