Insurgency persists as U.S.-led coalition leaves Iraq

IS militants no longer hold territory but still probe for security gaps, while Iraqi officials give contrasting assessments of how the U.S. withdrawal will affect future capacity and stability.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi meets with U.S. President Donald Trump at the UN in New York City on Sept. 23, 2026. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Energy

Iraqi production surges on partial export recovery

Nationwide output increased by almost 700,000 bpd in August as rising export volumes help Iraq unwind wartime cuts.

Politics

Refinery sector revolts over oil pricing reform

One week after the Cabinet decided to overhaul the economics of the refining sector, workers are protesting, managers are lobbying for alternatives, and the government has delayed implementation.

Security

Renewed drone threats put Iraq’s energy recovery at risk

Twin threats to southern oil exports and Kurdistan's gas supply show Iran-aligned armed groups can still hit Iraq's energy lifelines.

Interviews

Q&A: Ali Shaddad al-Faris, member of the Parliament Oil and Gas Committee

The longtime Basra MP discusses the prospects for a national oil law, a revision to the refinery investment law, and a wave of oil sector corruption arrests.