Iraqi authorities have confiscated 375 kilograms of gold and 69 billion dinars in assets as part of a sweeping anti-corruption investigation targeting former deputy oil minister and other officials. The Kurdistan Regional Government cooperated by handing over 358 kilograms of confiscated gold to federal authorities.
Iraq, OPEC's second-largest producer and founding member, has warned it may exit the oil cartel if its production quota is not increased, citing economic strain from regional conflicts and recent disruptions. The threat comes after the UAE's departure from the organization.
Two of Iraq's most powerful Iran-backed militias have announced they will begin handing over their weapons to Iraqi authorities, even as a senior Iranian IRGC commander boasted that Iran's military production facilities remain completely hidden from adversaries including the US and Israel.
Israel established a clandestine military outpost in Iraq's western desert to support its air operations against Iran and conducted airstrikes against Iraqi troops who nearly discovered the facility, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing U.S. officials and people familiar with the matter.
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.
Iraqi President tasked businessman and political outsider Ali al-Zaidi with forming a new government after months of gridlock. The appointment came after Trump opposed the nomination of pro-Iran former PM al-Maliki.
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.
