Baghdad

Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani arrived secretly in Baghdad and met with senior officials and militia commanders. On the agenda: the pressure to disarm the factions and Iraqi efforts to restore oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iraqi security forces have raised the alert level across all bases and deployed counter-terrorism units toward Baghdad. Saudi media reports indicate that Iraqi soldiers are preparing to respond to potential security threats posed by Iranian proxy groups within the country.

More than a week after the scheduled payment date for July salaries, millions of public sector employees, retirees, and welfare recipients in Iraq have yet to receive their wages. Senior officials admit that the liquidity crisis, exacerbated by the impact on oil revenues, makes it difficult for the government to meet its financial obligations.