An explosion aboard the Panama-flagged MSC Sariska V has triggered competing narratives, with Iran claiming a retaliatory strike and Iraqi reports pointing towards a possible technical failure.
The attacks come as regional tensions continue to escalate, with the ongoing US-Israel conflict involving Iran entering its 36th day. Iran-backed militias have repeatedly targeted US military positions in Iraq and neighbouring areas in recent weeks.
US issues fresh advisory highlighting attack and kidnapping risks in Iraq, asks citizens to avoid key locations and use land routes as airspace remains closed.
A suspect has been arrested after a dramatic chase in Baghdad, but uncertainty remains over the missing journalist’s whereabouts as US officials warn of militia involvement.
A US alert for Iraq, a claimed five-day diplomatic window with Iran, and renewed pressure around Hormuz pushed the conflict into a tense new phase on March 24.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein underscored the urgent need to halt the Israeli aggression against Iran and to protect civilians from the consequences of military escalation.
Iraq on Friday submitted an official complaint to the United Nations Security Council, condemning Israel for violating its airspace to conduct military operations in the region, the Foreign Ministry said.
Former Australia manager Graham Arnold has been officially named the new head coach of Iraq as confirmed by the country's football federation ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifiers against South Korea and Jordan.
The Arab Spring, which began in 2011, was dubbed as the starting point in removal of dictators in West Asia and North Africa.
Five Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in airstrikes in the northern Iraqi province of Kirkuk, the Iraqi military said on Saturday.
