The country that is central to American plans for the region has just formally outlawed normalization with Israel — and made it punishable by death

Saudi Arabia is seeking to end its disastrous war against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen; Iraq, bordering both Iran and Saudi Arabia, is often caught in the middle

Official says Mustafa al-Kadhimi looking for new avenues to relaunch dialogue between regional foes during stops in Jeddah, Tehran

Muqtada al-Sadr has been unable to cobble together a coalition that can form a majority government; Iraqi parliament set to replace 73 lawmakers who resigned earlier this month

Parliament members under powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr quit during post-election deadlock, raising fears that chaos could follow

Explosion occurs on road near Erbil some 3 kilometers from where US is building new mission; no claim of responsibility

Retired geologist arrested at Baghdad airport in March claims he did not have criminal intent to smuggle items; German tourist tried alongside him to be released

Previously unknown group hostile to US military presence in Iraq claims responsibility on pro-Iran Telegram channel; US often blames Iran-backed militias for such attacks

Ministry says normalization agreements with Arab states are future of stability, prosperity in Middle East; calls on Iraqi people not to support 'extremist position'

State Department says legislation jeopardizes freedom of expression, contrasts with progress being made by Baghdad's neighbors who joined Abraham Accords