Iraq

Iraq's Kurdistan region is ramping up independent oil exports, with a third tanker set to load a cargo of crude from its disputed pipeline as Iraq struggles to stop an insurgency by Islamist militants, its autonomous region.

Growing fears over the crisis in Iraq sent the dollar/Turkish Lira ratio to its highest in 1.5 months June 16, as investors’ worries rise that Turkey may be dragged into the turmoil in Iraq, as Islamist militants continue advancing.

Iran and world powers enter a critical fifth round of nuclear talks in Vienna on June 16 amid reports Tehran and Washington may use the occasion to discuss cooperation in Iraq.

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen called on Monday for the immediate release of Turkish diplomatic and security staff held by insurgents in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.

The prime minister of Iraq's Kurdistan regional government is in Tehran for talks with Iranian officials, media reported on June 16, amid efforts to thwart a Sunni insurgent offensive north of Baghdad.

The Islamic militants who overran cities and towns in Iraq last week posted graphic photos that appeared to show their gunmen massacring scores of captured Iraqi soldiers.

Insurgents seized a mainly ethnic Turkmen city in northwestern Iraq on June 15 after heavy fighting, solidifying their grip on the north after a lightning offensive that threatens to dismember Iraq.

U.S. wants "direct dialogue" with Iran on Iraq situation

NEW YORK -- The U.S. is preparing to launch direct dialogue with their long-time opponent Iran, focusing on security in Iraq, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

Citing unnamed U.S. officials, the newspaper stated that it is expected that the dialogue will begin this week, Reuters said.

Feeling threatened by the extending control of Kurdish peshmerga forces in Kirkuk, Iraqi Turkmens have begun to arm themselves, a prominent representative of the ethnic group has said, as the country finds itself dragged into further turmoil.

Developments in Turkish foreign and domestic politics have entered a dangerous collision course, less than two months before the first round of presidential elections on Aug. 10.