Iraq
What the region's press reported about Iraq, who holds its top offices, and MEF's latest analysis.
As of October 17, 2026, 8:38 a.m. ET. Readout items through the capture of October 17, 2026. Officeholders from the Government Graph file of October 6, 2026. MEF articles through October 13, 2026.
In the Region's Press
Drone attack on the headquarters of a separatist group in northern Iraq
IRNA reported that unidentified drones struck a northern Iraq base used by groups opposing Iran, news sources said.
Iran, if US military attacks resume, prepares for a broader and more powerful response / Senior commanders are reviewing plans to expand the range of potential targets including countries that support US military operations and possibly areas outside the Middle East / Tehran has ordered its allied groups in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq to be ready to support Iran
Entekhab reported that informed sources say Iran is preparing a broader, more powerful response if US military attacks resume, while keeping diplomatic channels open.
Countries: Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, United States
News report Iraq between opportunities for stability and rising security fears
Al-Ahram reported that with the withdrawal of US forces yesterday, Iraq begins a new phase described by officials as a "day of sovereignty".
Countries: Iraq, United States
"Operation Resolute" departs Iraq
Asharq Al-Awsat reported that the "Operation Resolute" mission of the international coalition has ended its role in Iraq after years combating ISIS there.
Countries: Iraq
Official announcement of the end of the military mission of the America-led coalition in Iraq
Mehr reported that the Pentagon said coalition operations led by the United States in Iraq have concluded, according to an official statement.
Countries: Iraq, United States
Departure of the last American forces from Iraq; 23 years after the 2003 invasion
BBC Persian reported that American forces left their last bases in Iraq, ending a 23 year deployment and prompting concerns about a security vacuum and strengthened Shiite groups.
Countries: Iraq, United States
After 23 years: US Army completed withdrawal from bases in Iraq
Arutz 7 reported that the United States Army finished leaving its remaining bases in Iraq, a process agreed in 2024 under Biden and completed under Trump.
Countries: Iraq, United States
Withdrawal or strategic repositioning?
BirGun reported that the deadline for foreign forces to leave Iraq expires today and that the US troop withdrawal will be completed at midnight.
Countries: Iraq, United States
A "serious" American warning to Baghdad against violating the air blockade
Asharq Al-Awsat reported that a government source said the United States issued a serious direct warning to Baghdad about breaching an air travel ban on Iran.
Countries: Iran, Iraq, United States
Hakan Fidan's statement on the Başika base: "We will gradually reduce our presence"
Sozcu quoted Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan as saying Turkey will 'gradually reduce' its presence at the Başika base as Iraq's disarmament roadmap is implemented.
Agreement between Baghdad and Ankara on Turkey handing over a camp in northern Iraq
Asharq Al-Awsat reported an agreement between Baghdad and Ankara for Turkey to hand over a camp in northern Iraq to the Iraqi government.
Turkey and Iraq agreed: PKK will leave Sincar, Turkish Armed Forces will hand over its compound
Diken reported that Turkey and Iraq agreed the PKK will leave Sinjar and Turkish Armed Forces will hand over its Başika-Zilkan compound.
President Erdoğan met with the Prime Minister of Iraq
Haberturk reported that President Erdoğan met Iraqi Prime Minister Ali ez-Zeydi and they agreed on establishing state authority in Sinjar and ending prohibited armed elements' presence.
Another front? Israel is monitoring the disbanding of Iranian militias in Iraq
Walla reported that the Iraqi government issued an ultimatum requiring Shiite armed groups to relinquish weapons by the end of the month while Israeli security officials monitor potential escalation.
US embassies issue security warning for the Middle East
Hurriyet reported that embassies representing the United States in several regional states including Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait and Bahrain warned American citizens "could escalate unexpectedly".
Countries: Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, United States
From MEF
Who Inherits Terrorist Properties Upon Their Military Defeat?
The United States Should Crack Down on Alleged Iranian Front Companies in Iraqi Kurdistan
Rethinking the Haj Hamed Network in Iraq
Is Haj Hamed’s Network Iran’s Most Secretive Armed Network in Iraq?
To Combat Iranian Proxies, Trump Should Target Their Penetration of Iraqi Telecom
The Talabanis Should Start Thinking About Exile