The United States has completed its military withdrawal from Iraq after more than two decades, with Baghdad declaring four days of national holidays called 'Sovereignty Days' to mark the exit. The withdrawal raises questions about Iraq's future security amid concerns over militia influence and Iran's growing role in the country.
Four major Iraqi airports including Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah have halted all flights to and from Iran in response to expanded US sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector. Iran warned that flight in the region must be "free for all, or for no one," while Iraq seeks exemptions from the sanctions.
Iranian flights to Baghdad and Muscat have been canceled after the United States threatened sanctions against airports servicing Iranian airlines, part of a broader pressure campaign over the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq ordered its civil aviation authority to suspend Iranian flights starting Wednesday, while Oman also ceased accepting Iranian aircraft.
Turkey and Iraq have signed a one-year agreement to maintain operations of the Iraq-Turkey crude oil pipeline to Ceyhan port, with capacity for 750,000 barrels per day. The deal provides Baghdad with a critical northern export route as ongoing tensions continue to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on Iraq's Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij al-Bahadly and leaders of pro-Iran militias, accusing them of facilitating Iranian oil sales in violation of US sanctions. The move represents continued American pressure on Baghdad to distance itself from Tehran and crack down on Iran-backed armed groups.
American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson was abducted in broad daylight in Baghdad, with US officials stating a suspect has ties to Iran-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah. The State Department says it is working to ensure her release as soon as possible.
