EXPLAINER
Iran-US tensions: What would blocking Strait of Hormuz mean for oil, LNG?
More than $500bn in oil and gas flows through waterway annually, leaving the global economy exposed to disruptions.
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EDITOR'S ANALYSIS
Can Trump’s ‘madman theory’ reshape Iran and the Middle East?
The ‘madman theory’ aims to pressure adversaries but risks backfiring when opponents feel they have nothing to lose.
French ISIL suspects transferred from Syria allege torture in Iraqi prisons
French lawyers for suspected ISIL members transferred from Syria say men suffering inhumane treatment in Iraqi jails.
![A protester in Baghdad burns a photo of Donald Trump, rejecting the US president’s demand that former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki not return to the premiership. [Screenshot via AP]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/4633743_HD_1080i50_cropped-1769630949.jpg?resize=730%2C410&quality=80)
From: NewsFeed
Iraqi protesters burn photos of Trump amid his threats over al-Maliki
Protesters in Baghdad burned photos of Donald Trump, rejecting the US president’s demands regarding Nouri al-Maliki.
Published On 28 Jan 2026
Iraq’s al-Maliki rejects ‘violation of sovereignty’ after Trump’s threats
Al-Maliki rejects Trump’s threat as violation of Iraq’s sovereignty, suggesting that he will not withdraw his candidacy.
Iraq presidential vote delayed as Kurdish blocs struggle to pick candidate
Whoever is nominated from the two Kurdish parties still needs approval from the Shia and Sunni blocs in the parliament.
From: NewsFeed
Who is Iraq’s former leader Nouri al-Maliki?
Iraq’s dominant Shia political bloc nominated al-Maliki to become prime minister.
Published On 27 Jan 2026
Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah warns of ‘total war’ if Iran is attacked
Abu Hussein al‑Hamidawi, leader of Iraqi armed group, says war against Iran will not be a ‘walk in the park’.
Rubio speaks to Iraqi PM al-Sudani amid tensions with Iran
Marco Rubio’s call with Mohammed Shia al-Sudani comes as new government expected in Iraq, US-Iran tensions rise.
![Rubio spoke with al-Sudani as Washington has deployed additional military assets to the Middle East [File: Sam Navarro/Imagn Images via Reuters]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-19T234858Z_1106920932_MT1USATODAY28041091_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-FOOTBALL-CFP-NATIONAL-CHAMPIONSHIP-MIAMI-VS-INDIANA-1769418467.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
What al-Maliki’s return would mean for Iraq and the region
Nouri al-Maliki’s third term as prime minister is likely to escalate sectarian politics in the country.
EXPLAINER
US military moves Navy, Air Force assets to the Middle East: What to know
Trump says US ‘armada’ is heading towards the Gulf, raising fears of a military escalation in the region.
