Iran launched ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in West Asia on Wednesday while American and Saudi aircraft struck Tehran-backed militias in Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers, escalating regional tensions and raising risks of renewed full-scale conflict.
The US-Israel war with Iran, which began February 28, 2026, has rippled across the Middle East, prompting selective de-escalation efforts in regional crises including Iraq's presidential election and Libya's institutional unification moves, suggesting mounting pressures may incentivize conflict resolution.
Iranian President Pezeshkian met Iraqi President Amidi in Tehran, emphasizing deep cultural and religious bonds between nations, condemning recent US-Israeli attacks, and calling for Islamic unity and expanded bilateral cooperation on security and economic development.
Iraq elects Kurdish politician Nizar Amidi as president amid war fallout.
Iraq's 40-year-old Ali al-Zaidi became the country's youngest prime minister, sworn in May 14 with only 14 of 23 cabinet positions filled. His academic background and lack of political experience positioned him as an acceptable choice amid deep polarization, while facing economic reforms and balancing U.S.-Iran tensions.
Iraq's parliament elects Kurdish politician Nizar Amidi as president.