Up to 60 international missions would typically be active at Iraqi excavation sites, but all have now left the country, according to a government official in Baghdad, halting work on some of the world’s oldest known civilizations.

German archaeologist Adelheid Otto of the University of Munich said her team had begun work at the ancient city of Shuruppak, modern-day Tell Fara, on Feb. 28, the day the conflict started. The group initially continued operations despite nearby rocket and drone activity.

However, Iraqi authorities later advised them to leave, cutting short research that had already yielded discoveries including ancient cuneiform tablets.

Otto described the interruption as a significant setback to ongoing work.At the site of Nippur, a 6,000-year-old city, University of Chicago professor Augusta McMahon said her team departed on March 10 under pressure to evacuate amid escalating security concerns.

The eight-member team was escorted out of the area by Iraqi officials.McMahon said the evacuation marked her third withdrawal from the region in recent years, following earlier disruptions in Iraq in 2024 and Syria in 2011.

She noted the impact on both international researchers and Iraqi colleagues, whose work depends heavily on sustained field access.

The suspension of excavations leaves key heritage sites, including those linked to early Mesopotamian civilizations, without active international collaboration as security conditions remain uncertain.

The attack occurred early on Saturday, with security sources confirming that the residence of Barzani was targeted. No immediate details were provided on casualties or damage.

Air defense systems also intercepted and shot down another drone near a base used by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in Duhok province, the sources added.

Sudani condemned the incident and held a phone call with Barzani following the attack, according to a statement from his office. He directed the formation of a joint federal and Kurdistan regional security and technical team to investigate the strikes and identify those responsible.

The move reflects Baghdad’s effort to manage growing instability in the north, where overlapping security jurisdictions between federal and regional authorities complicate response mechanisms.

The incident comes amid a surge in attacks involving Iran-aligned militias and Kurdish forces, as the broader US–Israel war against Iran increasingly spills into Iraqi territory.

Airstrikes in recent weeks have targeted positions associated with the Popular Mobilization Forces as well as Kurdish Peshmerga units in the Kurdistan Region.

Iraq’s military has accused the United States and Israel of conducting some of these strikes.In parallel, Tehran-backed armed groups have launched attacks on U.S. military installations in Iraq and on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, underscoring the widening scope of the confrontation.

The PMF said in a statement that its Anbar operations commander, Saad al-Baiji, was among those killed when a strike hit a command headquarters during a security meeting attended by senior personnel.

The group accused the United States of carrying out the attack, saying the facility was targeted while fighters were on duty.Health officials said several of the wounded were in critical condition, indicating the death toll could rise.

Security sources told Reuters the airstrike targeted the PMF headquarters during a high-level coordination meeting, amplifying the impact of the attack. The extent of structural damage to the site was not immediately clear.

There was no immediate confirmation or comment from U.S. officials regarding the allegation.

The PMF, also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, is a state-sanctioned umbrella organisation comprising predominantly Shi’ite paramilitary factions. It was formally integrated into Iraq’s security apparatus but includes several groups aligned with Iran.

The strike comes amid intensifying regional tensions following the outbreak of a U.S.-Israeli war with Iran in February. Tehran-backed armed groups have since launched repeated attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, raising concerns of a broader conflict.

Hostilities have spread beyond Iran’s borders, with Tehran carrying out strikes against Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting U.S. military facilities, while Israel has conducted attacks in Lebanon following cross-border fire by Iran-aligned Hezbollah.

The world’s largest oil importer boosted production through a combination of intensified drilling at ageing fields, offshore expansion and early-stage shale development, but experts say further gains will be constrained by rising costs and geological limits.

China’s output reached about 4.32 million barrels per day last year, and government targets outlined in its latest five-year plan call for maintaining production near 4 million bpd through 2030.

Industry observers view this level as a strategic baseline to support manufacturing and energy security.

Despite these efforts, China remains heavily dependent on imports, which stood at 11.55 million bpd last year, underscoring the structural gap between domestic supply and demand.

Zhu Weilin said national oil companies are working to sustain output at current levels to guard against supply disruptions, particularly as global markets face volatility.

Much of China’s production resilience comes from mature oilfields such as Daqing oil field, a cornerstone of the country’s energy sector for decades. The field continues to produce roughly 600,000 bpd, supported by advanced recovery techniques.

Engineers have deployed “tertiary recovery” methods, including chemical injection, to extract remaining reserves from ageing wells.

These techniques can increase output by about 20% compared to traditional water-injection methods.The scale of such operations has made China a global leader in enhanced oil recovery, with expertise exported to projects in countries including Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

While shale oil output is expected to grow and potentially double by 2035, analysts say it remains commercially challenging due to higher extraction costs and technical complexity.

Offshore production, another key driver of recent growth, is also showing signs of slowing expansion, further limiting upside potential.

The production plateau comes as China navigates shifting energy dynamics, including slowing economic growth and a transition toward electrification in transport, which is expected to temper demand growth over time.

At the same time, disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East a region supplying roughly half of China’s crude imports have reinforced the importance of maintaining stable domestic output.

The sites were inaugurated on Wednesday in the presence of Iraq’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, the President of the Sunni Waqf, the Governor of Nineveh, and the Chaldean and Syriac Orthodox archbishops. Local residents joined representatives of international partners who helped fund and carry out the restoration.

The projects were financed by the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) as part of its Mosul Mosaic programme, launched in 2019 with the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH). The initiative aims to rebuild the city’s cultural and religious landmarks destroyed between 2014 and 2017.

“These monuments, once symbols of Mosul’s diversity, now stand as symbols of its resilience,” said Bariza Khiari, chair of the ALIPH Foundation Board. “Their restoration shows what can be achieved through determination and cooperation.”

The Al-Tahira Chaldean Church, an 18th-century site revered by both Christians and Muslims, has regained its signature dome and ornamental carvings that were lost during the Daesh occupation.

The Mar Toma Syriac Orthodox Church, dating back to the seventh century, was rebuilt after being vandalised and partially destroyed during the battle for Mosul. Its thirteenth-century marble “Door of the Twelve Apostles” has been fully restored.

The Al-Raabiya Mosque, constructed in 1766 and badly damaged in 2017, now once again displays its distinctive Ottoman-era stone mihrab decorated with geometric motifs.

Since 2018, ALIPH has funded nearly 50 projects across Iraq, investing more than $25 million in Mosul alone. The Mosul Mosaic programme has also supported the rehabilitation of the city’s museum, scheduled to reopen in 2026, and several other historic sites including the Al-Masfi Mosque and the Beit al-Tutunji House.

Founded in Geneva in 2017, ALIPH supports the protection and restoration of cultural heritage in conflict zones. Backed by countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Morocco, and France, the foundation has financed more than 550 projects in 54 countries.

For the people of Mosul, the reopening of these sacred sites represents more than reconstruction. It marks, at last, the return of life to the city’s war-scarred heart.

With declining freshwater flows from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers contributing to higher salt levels, the government, experts, and local communities are implementing solutions to secure water resources, protect crops, and strengthen livelihoods.

Farmers in southern Iraq, particularly in Basra province, have long relied on the Tigris and Euphrates for irrigation and livestock. Recent challenges, including higher salinity in central Basra, have prompted innovative approaches to water management.

For example, the government has announced a large-scale desalination project in Basra with a capacity of one million cubic meters per day. This initiative aims to provide clean freshwater for irrigation, livestock, and domestic use, while reducing the impact of brackish water on crops and livestock.

Local farmers are also adapting to changing conditions by adopting modern irrigation practices, salt-tolerant crop varieties, and improved livestock management strategies.

These measures help maintain productivity despite natural fluctuations in river flows and salinity. For instance, farmer Zulaykha Hashem, who grows pomegranates, figs, and berries, is leveraging more efficient irrigation and soil management techniques to sustain her crops.

Such proactive measures demonstrate the resilience and ingenuity of Iraq’s agricultural communities.

The Iraqi government has emphasized collaboration with international partners and experts to improve water infrastructure and optimize the country’s share of river flows.

Iraq receives less than 35 percent of its allocated water from upstream countries, highlighting the importance of transboundary cooperation.

Authorities are working to negotiate water-sharing agreements and promote sustainable water usage practices, ensuring equitable access for farmers, households, and industries alike.

In addition, universities and research centers, such as Iraq’s University of Kufa, are conducting studies on salt-tolerant crops, efficient irrigation, and sustainable aquaculture.

These initiatives aim to mitigate the effects of higher salinity on agriculture and fisheries, supporting food security and economic stability. Local experts, including Hasan Al-Khateeb, are advising on projects that combine desalination, improved river management, and community-led water conservation programs.

Communities in Basra are already benefiting from these interventions. Families like that of Maryam Salman, a buffalo breeder, are gaining access to cleaner water for livestock and domestic needs.

Desalination and river management projects are expected to improve water availability year-round, providing healthier conditions for animals and boosting agricultural productivity.

Meanwhile, fish stocks are gradually recovering as water quality improves, offering renewed opportunities for local fishermen and sustaining livelihoods dependent on fisheries.

The United Nations and other international organizations have praised Iraq’s efforts, highlighting the importance of investing in water infrastructure and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

These initiatives are expected to reduce climate-related displacement, enhance food security, and improve community well-being across the country. By integrating technology, policy, and local knowledge, Iraq is setting a model for climate adaptation and sustainable water management in the region.

Despite historic challenges, Iraq’s farmers, herders, and communities are embracing a forward-looking approach. With government-led projects, expert guidance, and community engagement, the country is turning a pressing environmental challenge into an opportunity for innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.

Improved freshwater access, enhanced irrigation, and stronger support for livestock and fisheries are creating a brighter, more secure future for agriculture and rural livelihoods in Iraq.

Saudi political analyst Faisal Ibrahim Al Shammari confirmed via social media that the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, has been placed on high alert, with dependents of service members already beginning to evacuate the country.

The precautionary steps follow undisclosed threats and a “rapid shift in the security posture” of U.S. military assets in the Gulf. According to Al Shammari, the State Department’s decision was driven by intelligence assessments indicating a heightened risk of Iranian-sponsored reprisals in the region—possibly in response to recent clandestine developments.

Iraq: U.S. Embassy Prepared for Emergency Exit

Sources indicate that the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has been instructed to prepare for a potential emergency evacuation. Military personnel stationed in Iraq have reportedly been placed on elevated alert, with contingency plans being reviewed for an expedited drawdown if the security situation deteriorates.

The shift in posture signals growing unease in Washington over Iranian proxy activity and maritime threats amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

Regional Readiness Tightens

In a related development, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued an urgent security alert for vessels transiting the Persian Gulf, warning that “escalating tensions” may trigger “military activity targeting commercial shipping.”

American vessels operating in Gulf waters are being advised to exercise maximum caution, while security analysts warn that the current environment mirrors patterns seen ahead of prior naval confrontations.

The evacuation orders and high-alert statuses underscore mounting fears of a sudden clash in the region, particularly between the United States and Iran. Gulf nations—especially those hosting U.S. military assets—are closely watching the situation, as diplomatic and military backchannels work to prevent open confrontation.

As of now, there has been no official comment from the U.S. State Department regarding the troop movements or embassy evacuation plans.

The situation remains fluid.

The leaders talked about recent developments in the region and how their countries can continue to work together. King Abdullah made it clear that Jordan firmly opposes any attempts to annex land or forcibly displace Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

He also stressed the importance of upholding the ceasefire in Gaza, boosting humanitarian aid, and preventing further tensions in the West Bank.

Beyond the Palestinian issue, they discussed the need for ongoing cooperation between Jordan and Iraq to tackle regional challenges. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their relationship and addressing shared security and political concerns.

Saturday’s vote was restricted to military and security personnel and internally displaced people living in camps, with the main polling set to take place on Monday. Results are expected to be announced Tuesday.

Despite relatively high turnout in Saturday’s narrower polling, concerns were raised about a low voter turnout and potential violence spreading in the long-awaited polls on Monday in the country’s 18 provinces.

Muqtada al-Sadr, a powerful Shiite cleric and political leader who officially resigned from politics in 2022 amid a lengthy deadlock over Cabinet formation, has called on his supporters to boycott the provincial elections, saying that their participation would reinforce the dominance of a corrupt political class.

A widespread boycott would “reduce the legitimacy of the elections internationally and internally,” Sadr said in a statement.

In some areas, Sadr’s supporters ripped down electoral posters while several political campaign offices were vandalized. In the southern city of Najaf — a bastion of Sadr’s support — thousands marched on Thursday to urge a boycott of the elections.

Activists who staged mass anti-government protests in 2019 and are opposed to all the ruling parties also widely vowed to sit the polls out.

Apart from those actively boycotting the elections, many are simply apathetic.

Sajad Jiyad, an Iraqi political analyst and fellow at nonpartisan think tank The Century Foundation, pointed out that millions of eligible voters aren’t even registered, and low turnout has been a trend since 2005.

“All signs point to apathy among the general population,” he said. “Young people in particular are not engaged with politics, and no party has captured their imagination.”

Aqeel Al-Rubaie, a perfume shop owner in Baghdad, said that he and his family were sitting the polls out. He said that he saw “no real electoral program,” and widespread corruption, in the political campaigns, with some candidates offering bribes to prospective voters.

“What did the Iraqis gain from the previous elections that would make me think I can benefit from this election?” he said. “Corruption and weapons are still rampant in the country. Unemployment and services are not available.”

The Independent High Electoral Commission reported a relatively high turnout of 67% in Saturday’s vote, which some observers attributed to the pressure placed on military and security personnel to vote.

“There is a threat against those who don’t participate in the elections” that they will be transferred to an undesirable assignment, said a member of the security forces who spoke on condition of anonymity, because he wasn’t authorized to speak to journalists. “For this reason, everyone will participate, because of the fear of being punished.””

Turnout was also relatively high among the tens of thousands of Yazidis still living in displacement camps in Dohuk province in the semi-autonomous Kurdish area in northern Iraq. They were displaced from their homes in Sinjar nearly a decade ago by incursions of the Islamic State group.

Khalid Abbas, director of higher committee for elections in Dohuk, said that turnout in the camps was 67.6% of registered voters.

Displaced Yazidis largely said they were supporting the Kurdish Democratic Party, the dominant political force in the area.

“If our candidates are successful, we might get our rights,” said Khodeida Ilyas, a Yazidi from Sinjar living in the Sharia camp in Dohuk. “I mean for example, to rebuild Sinjar, get compensation for us, and improve services (in Sinjar). There are no services in our area until now.”

In some areas, the elections could inflame existing political and sectarian tensions. Among them is the Kirkuk province, with a mixed population of Sunnis, Shia, Kurds and Turkmen, which has been the scene of a territorial dispute for years between the central government in Baghdad and that of the semiautonomous northern Kurdish region with its capital in Irbil.

Demonstrations in Kirkuk over the handover of a key facility from federal to local Kurdish authorities turned violent in September, killing one protester and injuring others.

A contentious election law passed in March that increased the size of electoral districts was seen as undermining the chances for smaller parties and independent candidates to win seats.

The law was backed by the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Iran-backed, mainly Shiite parties that is the main rival of Sadr’s bloc. With Sadr’s followers boycotting, the Coordination Framework is likely to be the main beneficiary of the provincial elections.

The government praised the efforts of the Iraqi negotiators who it said were able to preserve the role of fossil fuels as a tool for development and prevented the adoption of texts sought by some developed countries which are “harmful to the interests of our peoples”.