Iraq relieved but still on edge after Israel-Iran ceasefire
A fragile calm has descended over the region as Iran and Israel agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire, ending a dangerous spiral that pushed the Middle East to the brink of all-out war. In Iraq, the mood is one of cautious relief mixed with a lingering anxiety over what comes next.
While Iraq was spared the direct strikes, it once again found itself in the eye of the storm and felt the tremors acutely. The missiles, drones and fighter jets of both warring sides flew over the country, while heavily armed, Iran-backed Shiite militias in Iraq, threatened to join the fight to strike US or Israeli targets.
'Those were the most difficult days for us,' a senior Iraqi diplomat told The National. 'The crisis was beyond our control and influence, and we were on the brink of a wide-scale war if the armed factions intervened.
'We're breathing a sigh of relief now, but we're not out of the woods yet.' He warned that 'the embers remain beneath the ashes', pending negotiations between Iran and the US that American President Donald Trump suggested would take place next week.
Alarmed at the war's potential to plunge Iraq and the wider region into chaos, the highest Shiite religious authority in Najaf expressed grave concern over the unfolding crisis. In an unprecedented move, Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani issued two statements last week, condemning the Israeli strikes and calling on the international community to intervene.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani tried to walk a delicate tightrope between Washington and Tehran and urged calm throughout the crisis, calling on Iran to consider diplomacy instead. The Iraqi government also asked both Iran and US as well as Tehran-allied militias to prevent Baghdad from being caught up in the conflict.
The ceasefire gives us a break, not a solution
Baghdad taxi driver Khalid Jaber
Israel launched a surprise raid on Iran on June 13, unleashing a wave of strikes against dozens of targets, including nuclear factories and military command centres. The strikes killed senior Iranian figures, among them armed forces officers and top nuclear scientists.
That ignited a 12-day air war between the long-time foes. Iran's health authorities have said that 627 people were killed and 4,870 were injured, while Israel put its toll at 28 killed and 1,386 injured. The war ended with a retaliatory missile salvo from Iran against a US military base in Qatar in response to an American intervention to bomb Tehran's nuclear centres.
Mr Al Sudani welcomed the ceasefire, expressing hope that the agreement 'will be strong and cohesive and not fragile'. His adviser on political issues, Hussain Allawi, said Iraq was 'committed to supporting peace and stability in the region, and looks forward to a new phase that consolidates security and development'.
Iraqis have recently witnessed unprecedented political and security stability, encouraging the government to launch a series of infrastructure projects and introduce reforms to improve the country's business environment and public services. Several mega-deals have been signed with major international companies and countries, mainly in the field of energy. The nation is also preparing for a national election in November.
Iran in retreat
The war will probably force Iran to 'retreat and reassess its calculations, significantly altering its behaviour at least during the next four years with Trump in the White House', said Ihsan Al Shammari, head of the Iraqi Political Thinking Centre.
Mr Al Shammari believes that Iran's waning influence will have a ripple effect on its proxies in Iraq and that will 'lead to the weakening of its allies, resulting in a vastly different political reality'.
He sees the non-involvement of the militias as part of an Iranian strategy as it 'still relies on maintaining these proxies, therefore it attempted to shield Iraq from any repercussions that might open the door to a new equation'.
However, he added, the presence of these groups could be on the table of upcoming negotiations in order to 'disarm them and undermine their political influence'.
Across Iraq, the mood is sombre.
Despite the current truce, many Iraqis are still fearful about the unresolved tension between Iran and Israel, between militias and the state, and between competing global interests.
'The ceasefire gives us a break, not a solution,' Baghdad taxi driver Khalid Jaber, 56, told The National.
For him, the recent flare-up served as a stark reminder that Iraq's stability is perpetually at risk from conflicts it cannot control.
'Iraq may not have been bombed, but it was under siege in every other sense – politically, emotionally and economically,' he added.
'We will wait for the next shock and wondering if we'll be able to weather the storm again.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Middle East Eye
4 hours ago
- Middle East Eye
Under US pressure, Lebanon begins disarming Palestinian factions in refugee camps
Lebanon's move to disarm Palestinian factions within the 12 refugee camps in the country began on Thursday with the Burj al-Barajneh camp in Beirut, the prime minister's office announced. The move stems from a 21 May meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, during which they agreed that only the Lebanese state should bear arms. But it is also a result of US pressure on Lebanon to consolidate all weapons under the purview of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and away from groups that directly threaten Israel, chief among them being Hezbollah. It is ultimately also a condition of the ceasefire Lebanon signed with Israel in November, despite Israel's continued bombing campaigns in southern Lebanon which violate the ceasefire. A senior Palestinian Fatah commander in Burj al-Barajneh, Sobhi Abu Arab, told the Lebanese al-Jadeed broadcaster on Thursday that the weapons that are being immediately handed over are "illicit weapons" that his men have rounded up in the camp, and not their own. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Fatah is the Palestinian party whose members form the largest part of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank. When asked where these weapons came from, Abu Arab responded: "From all over... but what would you want with that information?" He gave no indication that the state had specifically asked for the disarmament of Fatah fighters in the camp. What happens in these camps since Palestinians were ousted from their homes in 1948 during the ethnic cleansing campaign for the creation of the Israeli state, has largely fallen outside Lebanese jurisdiction. Abu Arab insisted that the Lebanese public should "rest assured" that "the Lebanese and Palestinians are one", and that he has coordinated the weapons handover with the Lebanese intelligence and security establishment. Crackdown During his visit to Paris last month to meet President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam came to realise that Lebanon's situation was far more precarious than many believed, Middle East Eye reported this week. France, long known for mediating Lebanon's political crises, made it clear to Salam that the country could not survive without implementing reforms, particularly the disarmament of non-state actors, namely Hezbollah, under international supervision. Lebanon: Inside the efforts to disarm Hezbollah Read More » There would be no renewal of the UN peacekeeping force Unifil's mandate, as France could not bear the full cost without US funding; no donor or reconstruction conference without Saudi participation; and no security stability, given Israel's determination to disarm Hezbollah by force if Lebanese authorities failed to do so themselves. Salam briefed President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and moved to convene a cabinet session to discuss a US proposal for Hezbollah's disarmament. Less than two weeks later, Salam returned to Baabda Palace, away from the media, determined to approve the US proposal, presented by envoy Thomas Barrack, in full with a timetable, as a way to "shield the state from the next wave of international escalation". But Hezbollah accused Salam of breaking his official commitments, saying: "When Prime Minister Nawaf Salam adopts the American envoy's roadmap, he is going against all the commitments he made in his ministerial statement, as well as those in the president's inauguration speech." Hezbollah denounced the government's move as a "grave sin" that strips Lebanon "of the weapon of resistance" against Israel, and vowed to disregard it.
Arabian Business
4 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Kuwait to attract $32bn investment and create 50,000 jobs under New Kuwait 2035 mega projects
Kuwait is rolling out one of its most ambitious development drives to date, with plans to attract up to KD10bn ($32.6bn) in private and foreign investment, generate annual revenues of KD1bn ($3.26bn) by 2030, and create more than 50,000 new jobs. The programme is anchored in the New Kuwait 2035 Vision and combines sweeping reforms, strategic partnerships, and mega projects in energy, transport, infrastructure, smart cities, and industrial zones. The government says the strategy will also reduce pressure on the state budget by around 30 per cent while strengthening long-term economic sustainability. Kuwait megaprojects Integrated government action — linking economic diplomacy with global partners and supported by new regulatory frameworks — is driving this transformation, which aims to boost transparency, accelerate project delivery, and diversify national income sources. A Ministerial Committee for Monitoring Agreements with China has held 22 meetings to fast-track projects and remove obstacles. Progress has already been made on the Mubarak Al Kabeer Port project, with the execution contract signed in March. Environmental cooperation includes afforestation programmes, ecosystem rehabilitation, and land reclamation. Kuwait has also elevated its historic ties with Japan to a comprehensive strategic partnership, expanding cooperation across trade, investment, renewable energy, and petrochemicals. Major power and infrastructure projects Among the largest projects under way are the second and third phases of the Al Zour North Power Plant, designed to meet rising demand for power and water. The project encourages private sector participation to cut costs, accelerate completion, and optimise resource use — reflecting the government's broader push to integrate private capital into infrastructure development. Kuwait's 2025–26 development plan, approved in March, includes 124 projects: 69 under ministries, 21 with affiliated entities, and 34 with independent institutions, making it one of the country's most ambitious pipelines. Reforms to boost investment The government has rolled out wide-ranging reforms, including: A new real estate brokerage system A smart licensing project Amendments to the Companies Law A taxation framework for multinational groups Launch of the Real Estate Developer System Kuwait has also advanced the third phase of its Capital Market Development Program, a key step toward upgrading to advanced emerging market status and boosting investor confidence. Global institutions lift outlook The World Bank projects Kuwait's economy will rebound to 2.2 per cent in 2025, driven by infrastructure projects, OPEC+ production adjustments, and non-oil sector growth. Growth is forecast to stabilise at 2.7 per cent between 2026–27. S&P Global Ratings expects continued growth supported by reforms, while EFG Hermes highlighted improved decision-making and raised its forecast for banking sector expansion starting from 2026. Leadership commitment Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah said positive economic indicators and rising foreign investment confirm the government's determination to deliver on its development goals. He stressed that the progress reflects the vision of the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, adding that the reforms and mega projects will reinforce Kuwait's position as a regional investment hub.
Middle East Eye
5 hours ago
- Middle East Eye
Police make 630 arrests in Washington as Trump federal takeover ramps up
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Thursday that 630 people have been arrested in Washington DC over a 10-day period, as the Trump administration considers ramping up its federal takeover of the US capital. Just under half of those arrested were undocumented immigrants, the White House told local news station ABC7 on Wednesday. Videos have circulated on social media for days now showing masked agents in bulletproof vests that only say "police" on the back hauling people out of their cars or ambushing them as they ride their bicycles or scooters. Many don't speak English, and are tackled to the ground as they scream for help. The agents do not identify themselves or explain why someone has been stopped, searched or arrested. The takeover has caused a chilling effect across a highly diverse city, where some immigrant families have already told local news station NBC4 that they will not be sending their kids to school when the new term begins. The refusal stems from fear they may be separated from their children as the Department of Homeland Security pushes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents to meet certain quotas for arrests and deportations. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Small business owners have also complained that their business is down as foot traffic slows, with many DC residents choosing to stay home, including US citizens who fear they will be racially profiled and harassed. This comes as President Donald Trump revealed he would be out on patrol with the federal agents and members of the National Guard that he has ordered into the city. He said the operation, overall, was in a bid to bring down the crime rate. "I'm going to be going out tonight, I think, with the police, and with the military, of course," Trump told radio host Todd Starnes on Thursday. So far, the National Guard has deployed 2,400 personnel to Washington, with another 700 members on their way from West Virginia, South Carolina and Ohio - all states led by Republican governors supportive of the president. The National Guard cannot make arrests, and critics have slammed the administration for using the soldiers in a performative role, costing taxpayers millions of dollars to move them into a small city where their mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles (M-ATV) can intimidate residents. Immigrants and homeless targeted The federal takeover began on 11 August, when Trump invoked Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, which gives the president the authority to take over the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington for 30 days. He insisted that the city's violent crime rates were too high, and that the mayor and city council were not acting in the city's best interests. The mayor - who is almost entirely reliant on federal funding from a Republican-controlled Congress that is loyal to the president - tried to push back. 'Alligator Alcatraz': Trump administration builds Florida detention centre for deportees Read More » "We know that crime has gone down in our city, and it has gone down precipitously over the last two years because of a lot of hard work, changes to our public safety ecosystem, including changes to the law, and we know those facts don't comport to what some people are saying," Muriel Bowser said on Wednesday. But the Department of Justice has already launched its own investigation into what it believes are manipulated crime figures by the MPD. The District of Columbia (DC) is not a state. It was created to house the federal government, and is only about 68 square miles (176 sq km) in size. It has no voting representation in the House of Representatives and no senators. Congress decides how much money the city gets. Washington has long been a solid blue Democratic district, but its more than 700,000 mostly African-American residents vote on ballots that hardly make a dent in federal elections. Their longtime motto is "Taxation Without Representation". Trump has said that only now are friends of his, both Republicans and Democrats, able to feel safe enough to go out to dinner in the city. While residents acknowledge there are pockets of pervasive gun crime in the city, as well as widespread car break-ins, they say Washington is not any more particularly crime-ridden than similar cities across the country. Different rankings show Washington DC as ranked between the 11th and 19th most violent city in 2024, and in January of this year US government statistics showed that violent crime was at a 30-year low during that same time period. The president, however, has been aggrieved by images of homeless encampments in the parts of the city that he sees en route to his golf course in next door Virginia. He has ordered the people in those camps to be forcibly moved to temporary shelters, and bulldozers have been seen razing their personal belongings. There is no evidence that links the vast majority of crime in DC to homelessness. On Wednesday, DC City Councillor Trayon White told ABC7 that when he went to the courthouse to examine what was happening to many of those arrested, "most of it was no paper", meaning prosecutors declined to file charges in most cases. "A lot of frivolous charges, not really arrests targeting people committing crimes," White added, expressing "concern about the type of policing" occurring right now.
