BasNews-English

13/08/2026

Iran’s newly appointed Basij commander, Hossein Taeb, said Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz is under the Islamic Republic’s "management and control,” directly contradicting US President Donald Trump’s assertion that Washington has "total control” over the strategic waterway.

Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Under Its “Control and Management”

13/08/2026

Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Aboudi said intelligence indicates that between 3,000 and 5,000 Iraqi young men are currently fighting in the Russian and Ukrainian armies, attributing their recruitment largely to unemployment and poverty.

Iraq Says Up to 5,000 Citizens Fighting for Russia, Ukraine

13/08/2026

Turkey is preparing to move into the implementation phase of a new framework aimed at disarming the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and reintegrating its members, following parliamentary approval of the legislation earlier this week.

Turkey Sets Out Next Phase of PKK Disarmament Process After Parliamentary Approval

13/08/2026

Saudi Arabia Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman said on Thursday that Royadh will continue to stand with Iraq in support of its security, stability, development and prosperity, stressing the importance of strengthening military and defense cooperation between the two countries.

Iraq Aims to Mend Ties with Saudi Arabia Following Iran-Backed Militia Attack

13/08/2026

More than 90% of citizens in the Kurdistan Region now have access to 24-hour electricity through the Runaki sustainable electricity project, while around 80% of residents, particularly low-income households, are paying less than they previously spent on private generators and the national grid, the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Electricity said Thursday.

Over 90% of Citizens Receive 24-Hour Electricity Under Runaki Project: KRG

13/08/2026

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has identified environmental protection, expanding green spaces and addressing the effects of climate change as strategic priorities, with large-scale tree-planting and mine-clearance campaigns underway across the Region.

KRG Expands Greening, Environmental Protection Efforts Across Kurdistan

13/08/2026

A Kurdish company based in Duhok has unveiled the B70, a 25-ton armored vehicle it says was designed and manufactured locally by Kurdish engineers and technicians.

Duhok Company Unveils Locally Designed B70 Armored Vehicle

13/08/2026

Norwegian oil and gas company DNO said it is working to restore oil production in the Kurdistan Region to levels recorded before the latest regional hostilities, after resuming operations at its Tawke and Peshkabir fields.

DNO Targets Return to Pre-Conflict Oil Production in Kurdistan

13/08/2026

The Local Produce Festival is underway at Ahmed Awa resort. Vendors from Bakur, Kermanshah, Sanandaj, and Urmia are gathering to showcase local goods.

The 3-day event runs all weekend—don't miss out! 📍

13/08/2026

Chairman of Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council Faiq Zidan arrived in Damascus on Thursday for talks with Syrian officials, with the handling of Islamic State (ISIS) detainees and expanded judicial cooperation between the two countries expected to be key issues on the agenda.

Iraq, Syria Discuss ISIS Detainees as Judicial Cooperation Expands