Mohammed Shia al-Sudani

Rule Changes

Predecessor to al-Zaidi

Five months after Ali al-Zaidi took office, Iraq's parliament completed his cabinet on October 15, approving eleven ministers and three deputy prime ministers. One deputy, Laith al-Khazali, is under US sanctions; diplomatic sources say Washington approved the deal after al-Zaidi promised to disarm Iran-backed groups.

Updated 5 days ago

Force in Play

Attempting to balance condemnation of attacks from all sides

The US-Iran war entered its eighth month in October with fresh blows: Iran hit American bases in Kuwait and Jordan on July 31, and US warplanes bombed Iranian targets on October 7. The conflict swung between ceasefires and open fighting through the summer, while the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane stayed under attack.

Updated 5 days ago

Built World

Managing concurrent security, energy, and economic crises

Iraq has depended on Iranian gas for roughly a third of its electricity since the mid-2010s. On the evening of March 4, 2026, a drop in gas supplies to the Rumaila power plant in southern Iraq triggered a loss of 1,900 megawatts. It cascaded through the grid, shutting down power to all 18 provinces.

Updated May 30

Force in Play

In office since October 2022

Iraq declared victory over the Islamic State in December 2017 after recapturing Mosul and eliminating the group's territorial caliphate. Eight years later, Iraqi F-16s are still hunting militants in desert hideouts—a reminder that defeating an insurgency's territory is not the same as defeating its fighters.

Updated May 27

Force in Play

In office since October 2022; coalition won 2025 parliamentary elections

The United States returned to Iraq in 2014 after ISIS captured Mosul and threatened Baghdad. On January 17, 2026, American forces completed their withdrawal from federal Iraqi territory, with the Iraqi Army assuming full control of Al-Asad Air Base in Anbar province.

Updated May 21