Iraq's invitation to Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to attend the upcoming Arab League summit in Baghdad in May has sparked intense political controversy within Iraq. The invitation, extended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on April 16, has been met with strong opposition from Iraqi MPs and Iran-aligned Shiite militias. These groups have lodged terrorism complaints against al-Sharaa, citing his alleged past affiliation with Al-Qaeda in Iraq. Prominent militia leaders, including Qais Khazali and Kataib Hezbollah, have threatened to arrest al-Sharaa and called for his exclusion from the summit. The backlash has also led to the firing of the Iraqi Army spokesman amid the escalating tensions. The controversy underscores deep divisions within Iraq’s political landscape ahead of the November elections, where major Shiite parties are set to run separately amid internal disagreements.

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, shot down an unidentified drone in Anbar Province, western Iraq. The PMF stated that the drone was linked to ISIS and was carrying explosives. During the interception of the drone, at least five PMF members were wounded in an explosion that occurred between the cities of Anbar and Karbala. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the region involving militant groups and the efforts of Iraqi paramilitary forces to counter threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Kurdish National Council has announced that the Kurdish Dialogue Conference will be held on April 26, 2025, in northeastern Syria. The conference, titled "Unifying the Kurdish Position in Rojava," is supported by Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, and Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The event aims to bring together all Kurdish political parties in the region, including those linked to the Autonomous Administration in northeastern Syria and the rival Kurdish National Council, to discuss their future, identity, and key demands from the Syrian government. The conference will also include civil society organizations, women's groups, youth organizations, and independent social figures from various Kurdish regions. The meeting is viewed as a milestone towards Kurdish unity, which Mazloum Abdi described as a national necessity for resolving the Kurdish question in Syria. Additionally, Mazloum Abdi met with Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, in Erbil to discuss developments in Syria, relations between the SDF and Kurdish parties, the new Syrian government, and the risks of terrorism. French Foreign Minister Barrot also met with Mazloum Abdi in Erbil, underscoring the international attention on Kurdish political developments.

Thousands of families linked to ISIS fighters remain detained in camps across northeastern Syria, six years after the fall of the group. The future of these families is uncertain as a new government is expected to take control of the camps, potentially changing their status. French families in these camps also face an unclear fate. In Iraq, local partners in Balad are supporting returnees from camps in northern Syria with psychosocial assistance and reintegration programs, supported by Germany through the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF).

The Iraq Defense Exhibition (IQDEX) 2025 in Baghdad featured a diverse array of military technologies from multiple countries. Samar Al Khair Company presented the Azar Armored Personnel Carrier, emphasizing Iraq's focus on enhancing armored mobility. Iranian exhibitors showcased a range of weapons, including the Masaf 1 assault rifle, highlighting advancements in small arms manufacturing. Russian defense technology attracted attention with the Typhoon Kornet-EM anti-tank missile system, particularly from Iraq's Special Forces. Chinese companies displayed several systems, including the WS-64 and A-100G surface-to-surface rockets, as well as the A-2000 Attack Unmanned Surface Vehicle capable of launching VTOL drones and equipped with vertical launch system cells for missile deployment. Additionally, China revealed key capabilities of four major submarine classes during its Navy Day celebrations.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the leading Shia cleric in Iraq, has issued a condolence message following the death of Pope Francis. In his statement, Sistani described Pope Francis as a figure who held a high spiritual and moral standing among many nations worldwide. He praised the late pontiff for his prominent role in advocating for peace and solidarity with oppressed and marginalized communities globally. The message reflects the respect and recognition Pope Francis garnered across religious and cultural divides. The condolence comes amid reflections on the historic meeting between Pope Francis and Ayatollah Sistani in Najaf in 2020, underscoring their shared commitment to interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Azerbaijani officials held their first official meeting in Turkey last weekend to discuss Azerbaijan's potential role in restoring Syria's oil and gas sector. The Syrian government is seeking investment and technical assistance from Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR to develop oil and gas fields in northeastern Syria, areas recently brought under Syrian control. This initiative is part of Syria's broader strategy to rebuild its energy production capabilities and to balance regional influences, involving both Turkey and Azerbaijan, to provide assurance regarding Israel. Additionally, Syrian interim President al-Sharaa met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani in Qatar to discuss Syria's reconstruction, counterterrorism efforts against Daesh, and strengthening bilateral relations ahead of the upcoming Arab summit. The discussions highlight shifting alliances in the region following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Kurdish forces have initiated a comprehensive security operation targeting Islamic State (ISIS) cells within and around the al-Hol camp in northern Syria. This move comes amid increasing escape attempts from the camp, which houses individuals connected to ISIS. The operation aims to dismantle ISIS networks as concerns grow over the group's efforts to reorganize in areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Concurrently, Iraq is intensifying efforts to repatriate its citizens from al-Hol, facing challenges in securing acceptance for returnees within local communities.

The 13th edition of the Iraq Defense Exhibition (IQDEX) 2025 commenced in Baghdad from April 19 to 22, showcasing regional and international defense capabilities. The event features prominent defense contractors including Turkey's Sarsilmaz, a leading firearms manufacturer with nearly 150 years of production history, presenting its full product range. Turkish firms broadly participate in the exhibition, highlighting the strength of Turkey's defense industry. Russia's Rosoboronexport is also exhibiting for the first time at IQDEX 2025, drawing attention with its Orlan-10E unmanned aerial vehicle and Kornet-EM guided missile system. The event serves as a platform for defense, security, military industries, and cybersecurity, with Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani inaugurating the fair at the Baghdad Fair Center. Iran and Turkey are among the countries showcasing their defense products, emphasizing growing international collaboration in the region's defense sector. Media partners and defense professionals are actively covering the event, which is held at Baghdad's exhibition center.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has formally invited interim Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to attend the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad on May 17. The invitation was announced during a keynote session at the 9th Sulaimani Forum in the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniyah on 16 April, where Al-Sudani also expressed his intention to run for a second term in Iraq's upcoming parliamentary elections on 11 November.

Read more

Iraq's Foreign Ministry summoned the Lebanese ambassador to Baghdad, Ali al-Habhab, to protest remarks made by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun concerning the Iraqi paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). President Aoun reportedly rejected the PMF as a model for integrating militias like Hezbollah into Lebanon's state structure. Baghdad emphasized that the Shiite-led PMF is a legal and essential component of Iraq's national security framework. The diplomatic move reflects tensions between Iraq and Lebanon over differing views on the integration of Iranian-backed militias within their respective countries.

Turkey and Iraq are set to hold the second preparatory meeting of their Joint Planning Group on April 17, 2025, in Baghdad. The meeting will be co-chaired by Turkey's Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yılmaz and his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed Hussein Bahrul-Ulum, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation. Meanwhile, Turkey's Ministry of National Defense reported progress in its ongoing military operations in northern Syria, having cleared approximately 121 kilometers of terrorist tunnels near the border since January 2025, specifically 66 kilometers in the Tel Rifat area and 55 kilometers in the Manbij region. Additionally, Turkey is conducting talks with Israel aimed at ensuring the safe execution of military activities in Syria, with a technical meeting held in Baku to establish coordination mechanisms for securing airspace operations. Turkey is also scheduled to host a NATO foreign ministers meeting in May 2025, further underscoring its active role in regional security and diplomatic efforts.

On April 14, 2025, the Iraqi parliament passed a bill officially recognizing Halabja as the 19th governorate of Iraq, marking the end of a delay of at least two years. This legislative move designates Halabja, located in the northern Iraqi Kurdistan region, as a separate province. The recognition is widely seen as a major victory for the Kurdish population and a formal acknowledgment of the 1988 Halabja chemical attack, often referred to as a genocide. Lawmakers emphasized that the new provincial status will secure Halabja's entitlement to a share of Iraq's federal budget and access to benefits from the Kurdistan Regional Government. The decision has been welcomed by several Western diplomatic missions. However, there remain ongoing concerns from Anfal survivors and relatives who criticize the Kurdistan Regional Government for not facilitating compensation and for failing to hand over perpetrators to Iraq's High Tribunal Court. The bill's passage represents a historic development in Iraq's administrative and political landscape, recognizing both the region's suffering and its administrative autonomy.

The Yazidi community in Iraq, Syria, and the broader diaspora recently celebrated their New Year, known as "Çarşema Sor" or Red Wednesday, which falls on the first Wednesday of the year according to the Eastern calendar, 13 days ahead of the Western calendar. This ancient festival, rooted in Kurdish mythology, marks the completion of the earth's creation and the descent of Melek Taus, the sacred Yazidi angel. Celebrations took place in key locations such as the Lalish temple in Iraq and Qamishli in Syria, where rituals honoring light and creation were performed. In northeastern Syria, particularly near the town of Amude, gatherings brought together Yazidis from various parts of the region. Despite the festive observances, the Yazidi community continues to face challenges, with over 200,000 displaced Yazidis still residing in camps, awaiting the opportunity to return to their homes.

Iraq and Turkey are enhancing their energy cooperation through a series of new initiatives, including the development of a 2.4 million barrels per day (bpd) pipeline from Basra to Ceyhan. This initiative aims to bolster Iraq's oil exports and improve regional energy security. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil has announced a partnership with Turkish company Esta and Italian firm Micoperi to construct a new underwater oil pipeline, marking a $17.9 billion logistics investment in the energy sector. This project is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Iraq's energy infrastructure and increase its oil export capacity.

Türkiye and Iraq convened the fifth meeting of their High-Level Security Mechanism in Antalya, co-chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in military affairs, border security, counterterrorism, and the Development Road Project, with participation from key officials including Türkiye's National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalın, and Deputy Interior Minister Münir Karaloğlu, alongside Iraq's delegation.

Read more

The Iraqi Air Force (IQAF) conducted airstrikes on April 13, 2025, targeting ISIS hideouts in the outskirts of Al-Daur District, Saladin Governorate. The airstrikes, executed by F-16IQ Multirole Fighter jets, resulted in the deaths of all members present at the hideouts and led to the destruction of their equipment, supplies, and communication devices. Residents reported that the blasts were powerful enough to shake nearby homes. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat ISIS in the region.

Iraqi sources report that the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), known as al-Hashd al-Shaabi, have announced plans to establish a military college for their fighters in Karbala. Faleh al-Fayyad, the head of the PMF, confirmed this initiative during a ceremony honoring military college officers. He also addressed rumors regarding the dissolution of the PMF, stating that the group would soon integrate its forces into the Iraqi Army. Al-Fayyad emphasized that the PMF played a crucial role in combating ISIS and that a draft law regarding the PMF's structure and status has been approved by the Council of Ministers, which aims to further organize the group within a new legal framework. Additionally, the PMF's training director, Ammar Karim al-Saray, reiterated the college's goal of preparing and enhancing the military capabilities of its members.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani visited Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, on April 12, 2025. During his visit, he met with Qubad Talabani, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and held consecutive meetings with various ministers, including those responsible for Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Environment and Energy, and Tourism. The discussions focused on the relationship between the KRG and the Iraqi government, highlighting ongoing collaboration and governance issues.

Iraq is set to hold its next parliamentary elections on November 11, 2025, as confirmed by the Iraqi High Electoral Commission (IHEC) and the office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. The announcement was made following a cabinet meeting where the date was officially approved. Approximately 30 million citizens are eligible to vote in these elections, marking a significant event in Iraq's political landscape.

Iraq's invitation to Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to attend the upcoming Arab League summit in Baghdad in May has sparked intense political controversy within Iraq. The invitation, extended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on April 16, has been met with strong opposition from Iraqi MPs and Iran-aligned Shiite militias. These groups have lodged terrorism complaints against al-Sharaa, citing his alleged past affiliation with Al-Qaeda in Iraq. Prominent militia leaders, including Qais Khazali and Kataib Hezbollah, have threatened to arrest al-Sharaa and called for his exclusion from the summit. The backlash has also led to the firing of the Iraqi Army spokesman amid the escalating tensions. The controversy underscores deep divisions within Iraq’s political landscape ahead of the November elections, where major Shiite parties are set to run separately amid internal disagreements.

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, shot down an unidentified drone in Anbar Province, western Iraq. The PMF stated that the drone was linked to ISIS and was carrying explosives. During the interception of the drone, at least five PMF members were wounded in an explosion that occurred between the cities of Anbar and Karbala. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the region involving militant groups and the efforts of Iraqi paramilitary forces to counter threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Kurdish National Council has announced that the Kurdish Dialogue Conference will be held on April 26, 2025, in northeastern Syria. The conference, titled "Unifying the Kurdish Position in Rojava," is supported by Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, and Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The event aims to bring together all Kurdish political parties in the region, including those linked to the Autonomous Administration in northeastern Syria and the rival Kurdish National Council, to discuss their future, identity, and key demands from the Syrian government. The conference will also include civil society organizations, women's groups, youth organizations, and independent social figures from various Kurdish regions. The meeting is viewed as a milestone towards Kurdish unity, which Mazloum Abdi described as a national necessity for resolving the Kurdish question in Syria. Additionally, Mazloum Abdi met with Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, in Erbil to discuss developments in Syria, relations between the SDF and Kurdish parties, the new Syrian government, and the risks of terrorism. French Foreign Minister Barrot also met with Mazloum Abdi in Erbil, underscoring the international attention on Kurdish political developments.

Thousands of families linked to ISIS fighters remain detained in camps across northeastern Syria, six years after the fall of the group. The future of these families is uncertain as a new government is expected to take control of the camps, potentially changing their status. French families in these camps also face an unclear fate. In Iraq, local partners in Balad are supporting returnees from camps in northern Syria with psychosocial assistance and reintegration programs, supported by Germany through the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF).

The Iraq Defense Exhibition (IQDEX) 2025 in Baghdad featured a diverse array of military technologies from multiple countries. Samar Al Khair Company presented the Azar Armored Personnel Carrier, emphasizing Iraq's focus on enhancing armored mobility. Iranian exhibitors showcased a range of weapons, including the Masaf 1 assault rifle, highlighting advancements in small arms manufacturing. Russian defense technology attracted attention with the Typhoon Kornet-EM anti-tank missile system, particularly from Iraq's Special Forces. Chinese companies displayed several systems, including the WS-64 and A-100G surface-to-surface rockets, as well as the A-2000 Attack Unmanned Surface Vehicle capable of launching VTOL drones and equipped with vertical launch system cells for missile deployment. Additionally, China revealed key capabilities of four major submarine classes during its Navy Day celebrations.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the leading Shia cleric in Iraq, has issued a condolence message following the death of Pope Francis. In his statement, Sistani described Pope Francis as a figure who held a high spiritual and moral standing among many nations worldwide. He praised the late pontiff for his prominent role in advocating for peace and solidarity with oppressed and marginalized communities globally. The message reflects the respect and recognition Pope Francis garnered across religious and cultural divides. The condolence comes amid reflections on the historic meeting between Pope Francis and Ayatollah Sistani in Najaf in 2020, underscoring their shared commitment to interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Azerbaijani officials held their first official meeting in Turkey last weekend to discuss Azerbaijan's potential role in restoring Syria's oil and gas sector. The Syrian government is seeking investment and technical assistance from Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR to develop oil and gas fields in northeastern Syria, areas recently brought under Syrian control. This initiative is part of Syria's broader strategy to rebuild its energy production capabilities and to balance regional influences, involving both Turkey and Azerbaijan, to provide assurance regarding Israel. Additionally, Syrian interim President al-Sharaa met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani in Qatar to discuss Syria's reconstruction, counterterrorism efforts against Daesh, and strengthening bilateral relations ahead of the upcoming Arab summit. The discussions highlight shifting alliances in the region following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Kurdish forces have initiated a comprehensive security operation targeting Islamic State (ISIS) cells within and around the al-Hol camp in northern Syria. This move comes amid increasing escape attempts from the camp, which houses individuals connected to ISIS. The operation aims to dismantle ISIS networks as concerns grow over the group's efforts to reorganize in areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Concurrently, Iraq is intensifying efforts to repatriate its citizens from al-Hol, facing challenges in securing acceptance for returnees within local communities.

The 13th edition of the Iraq Defense Exhibition (IQDEX) 2025 commenced in Baghdad from April 19 to 22, showcasing regional and international defense capabilities. The event features prominent defense contractors including Turkey's Sarsilmaz, a leading firearms manufacturer with nearly 150 years of production history, presenting its full product range. Turkish firms broadly participate in the exhibition, highlighting the strength of Turkey's defense industry. Russia's Rosoboronexport is also exhibiting for the first time at IQDEX 2025, drawing attention with its Orlan-10E unmanned aerial vehicle and Kornet-EM guided missile system. The event serves as a platform for defense, security, military industries, and cybersecurity, with Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani inaugurating the fair at the Baghdad Fair Center. Iran and Turkey are among the countries showcasing their defense products, emphasizing growing international collaboration in the region's defense sector. Media partners and defense professionals are actively covering the event, which is held at Baghdad's exhibition center.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has formally invited interim Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to attend the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad on May 17. The invitation was announced during a keynote session at the 9th Sulaimani Forum in the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniyah on 16 April, where Al-Sudani also expressed his intention to run for a second term in Iraq's upcoming parliamentary elections on 11 November.

Read more

Iraq's Foreign Ministry summoned the Lebanese ambassador to Baghdad, Ali al-Habhab, to protest remarks made by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun concerning the Iraqi paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). President Aoun reportedly rejected the PMF as a model for integrating militias like Hezbollah into Lebanon's state structure. Baghdad emphasized that the Shiite-led PMF is a legal and essential component of Iraq's national security framework. The diplomatic move reflects tensions between Iraq and Lebanon over differing views on the integration of Iranian-backed militias within their respective countries.

Turkey and Iraq are set to hold the second preparatory meeting of their Joint Planning Group on April 17, 2025, in Baghdad. The meeting will be co-chaired by Turkey's Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yılmaz and his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed Hussein Bahrul-Ulum, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation. Meanwhile, Turkey's Ministry of National Defense reported progress in its ongoing military operations in northern Syria, having cleared approximately 121 kilometers of terrorist tunnels near the border since January 2025, specifically 66 kilometers in the Tel Rifat area and 55 kilometers in the Manbij region. Additionally, Turkey is conducting talks with Israel aimed at ensuring the safe execution of military activities in Syria, with a technical meeting held in Baku to establish coordination mechanisms for securing airspace operations. Turkey is also scheduled to host a NATO foreign ministers meeting in May 2025, further underscoring its active role in regional security and diplomatic efforts.

On April 14, 2025, the Iraqi parliament passed a bill officially recognizing Halabja as the 19th governorate of Iraq, marking the end of a delay of at least two years. This legislative move designates Halabja, located in the northern Iraqi Kurdistan region, as a separate province. The recognition is widely seen as a major victory for the Kurdish population and a formal acknowledgment of the 1988 Halabja chemical attack, often referred to as a genocide. Lawmakers emphasized that the new provincial status will secure Halabja's entitlement to a share of Iraq's federal budget and access to benefits from the Kurdistan Regional Government. The decision has been welcomed by several Western diplomatic missions. However, there remain ongoing concerns from Anfal survivors and relatives who criticize the Kurdistan Regional Government for not facilitating compensation and for failing to hand over perpetrators to Iraq's High Tribunal Court. The bill's passage represents a historic development in Iraq's administrative and political landscape, recognizing both the region's suffering and its administrative autonomy.

The Yazidi community in Iraq, Syria, and the broader diaspora recently celebrated their New Year, known as "Çarşema Sor" or Red Wednesday, which falls on the first Wednesday of the year according to the Eastern calendar, 13 days ahead of the Western calendar. This ancient festival, rooted in Kurdish mythology, marks the completion of the earth's creation and the descent of Melek Taus, the sacred Yazidi angel. Celebrations took place in key locations such as the Lalish temple in Iraq and Qamishli in Syria, where rituals honoring light and creation were performed. In northeastern Syria, particularly near the town of Amude, gatherings brought together Yazidis from various parts of the region. Despite the festive observances, the Yazidi community continues to face challenges, with over 200,000 displaced Yazidis still residing in camps, awaiting the opportunity to return to their homes.

Iraq and Turkey are enhancing their energy cooperation through a series of new initiatives, including the development of a 2.4 million barrels per day (bpd) pipeline from Basra to Ceyhan. This initiative aims to bolster Iraq's oil exports and improve regional energy security. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil has announced a partnership with Turkish company Esta and Italian firm Micoperi to construct a new underwater oil pipeline, marking a $17.9 billion logistics investment in the energy sector. This project is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Iraq's energy infrastructure and increase its oil export capacity.

Türkiye and Iraq convened the fifth meeting of their High-Level Security Mechanism in Antalya, co-chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in military affairs, border security, counterterrorism, and the Development Road Project, with participation from key officials including Türkiye's National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalın, and Deputy Interior Minister Münir Karaloğlu, alongside Iraq's delegation.

Read more

The Iraqi Air Force (IQAF) conducted airstrikes on April 13, 2025, targeting ISIS hideouts in the outskirts of Al-Daur District, Saladin Governorate. The airstrikes, executed by F-16IQ Multirole Fighter jets, resulted in the deaths of all members present at the hideouts and led to the destruction of their equipment, supplies, and communication devices. Residents reported that the blasts were powerful enough to shake nearby homes. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat ISIS in the region.

Iraqi sources report that the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), known as al-Hashd al-Shaabi, have announced plans to establish a military college for their fighters in Karbala. Faleh al-Fayyad, the head of the PMF, confirmed this initiative during a ceremony honoring military college officers. He also addressed rumors regarding the dissolution of the PMF, stating that the group would soon integrate its forces into the Iraqi Army. Al-Fayyad emphasized that the PMF played a crucial role in combating ISIS and that a draft law regarding the PMF's structure and status has been approved by the Council of Ministers, which aims to further organize the group within a new legal framework. Additionally, the PMF's training director, Ammar Karim al-Saray, reiterated the college's goal of preparing and enhancing the military capabilities of its members.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani visited Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, on April 12, 2025. During his visit, he met with Qubad Talabani, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and held consecutive meetings with various ministers, including those responsible for Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Environment and Energy, and Tourism. The discussions focused on the relationship between the KRG and the Iraqi government, highlighting ongoing collaboration and governance issues.

Iraq is set to hold its next parliamentary elections on November 11, 2025, as confirmed by the Iraqi High Electoral Commission (IHEC) and the office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. The announcement was made following a cabinet meeting where the date was officially approved. Approximately 30 million citizens are eligible to vote in these elections, marking a significant event in Iraq's political landscape.