IQ
Stories (5)
Iraq, Pakistan Secure Energy Deals with Iran
Iraq, Pakistan strike deals with Iran to ship Gulf oil and LNG, underscoring Tehran’s ability to control energy flows via the Strait of Hormuz amid U.S.-Israeli pressure and regional war. Key points: - Iraq secured safe passage for two very large crude carriers through Hormuz, with talks ongoing to expand transits to protect its oil revenues (about 95% of Iraq’s budget). - Pakistan arranged a bilateral deal with Iran to move Qatari LNG to meet domestic summer demand; two LNG
2026-05-24US Demands Action from New Iraqi PM on Iran
Summary: - The US demands concrete actions from Iraq’s next prime minister to distance the state from pro-Iran militias before resuming financial aid and security assistance. - Ali al-Zaidi has been named Iraq’s PM-designate; Washington conditions continued support on: - Expelling terrorist militias from state institutions - Cutting militia budget support and denying salaries - Publicly declaring that militia groups are not part of the Iraqi state - The US previously su
2026-05-24Iraq Seeks IMF Aid Amid Iran War Crisis
Summary: - Iraq has approached the IMF for financial assistance in light of the Iran-Iraq war’s economic impact. - Talks began during the IMF/World Bank spring meetings; discussions continue about the amount and structuring of potential loans. - The conflict, triggered by a February 28 U.S.-Israeli strike campaign against Iran and Hormuz closure, has harmed regional economies and Iraqi oil revenues, which are a major government income source. - The Hormuz disruption has reduc
2026-05-24US Backs Ali al-Zaidi as Iraq's New PM
Summary: - US-Iraq ties: President Trump congratulated Ali al-Zaidi on his nomination as Iraq’s next prime minister, signaling Washington’s interest in a closer, economically integrated relationship with Iraq under a new government. - Zaidi's path: Zaidi, backed by the Coordination Framework (a Shiite alliance with about 185 of 329 seats), has 30 days to form a government needing a two-thirds parliamentary vote. President Nizar al-Kahidi (Kurdish) asked him to form the govern
2026-05-24Saudi Airstrikes Target Iran-Backed Militias
Saudi fighter jets and cross-border strikes have targeted Iran-backed militias in Iraq amid the broader Gulf-conflict dynamics. Key points: - Saudi airstrikes hit targets linked to Tehran-supported Shi’ite militias near Iraq’s northern border; Kuwait likewise reported strikes from its territory into southern Iraq. - The attacks fit a pattern of hidden, multi-front hostilities around the Gulf tied to the wider Iran war, drawing in Kuwait, Iraq, and potentially Iran and Israel.
2026-05-24