Iraq Roundup: UK urged to ease Iran-Israel conflict, 5 million houses, legal response over air violations

Speaker urges UK to help de-escalate Iran-Israel conflict

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani on Tuesday called on the United Kingdom to support efforts to end the Iran-Israel conflict during a meeting with British Ambassador Irfan Siddiq in Baghdad. According to the Iraqi Parliament’s media office, al-Mashhadani urged London to take a constructive diplomatic role in promoting regional peace and stability, warning against the deepening of tensions. He attributed regional crises in Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Yemen to what he termed "the actions of the Israeli entity."

Iraq to launch legal response to Israeli airspace violations

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zaidan met Tuesday to coordinate a legal response to repeated Israeli violations of Iraq’s airspace. A statement from the Prime Minister’s office said the talks focused on strengthening coordination among Iraq’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches in light of escalating regional security threats.

Iraq to build five million housing units by 2030

Iraq has awarded contracts for the construction of nearly 1.5 million housing units, with projections reaching five million units by 2030, according to Hassam Al-Khafaji, Chairman of Parliament’s Investment and Development Committee. Khafaji said improved investment laws have attracted more developers to the housing sector. He noted that a significant portion of the projects is concentrated near Baghdad, Basra, and other key regions.

Iraqi parliament urges stronger air defences

Iraq’s Parliament on Tuesday called for immediate upgrades to national air defence systems in response to repeated Israeli violations of Iraqi airspace during military actions against Iran. In a statement after a closed session, lawmakers urged the government to enhance defence capabilities across air, land, and sea, lodge a formal complaint with the United Nations, and uphold national sovereignty. Parliament also endorsed support for Iran and rejected the use of Iraqi territory for cross-border military activity.

Iraq becomes transit Point for Iranian pilgrims

Over 400 Iranian pilgrims arrived in Ayn Tamr, Iraq, on Tuesday after completing Hajj, seeking news from home following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran. The pilgrims, who had crossed into Iraq by land after completing their pilgrimage in Mecca, were seen urgently searching for internet connections to contact family members. The scene highlights Iraq’s role as a humanitarian corridor during regional crises and the emotional impact of ongoing Iran-Israel tensions.