{
  "id": 11925153,
  "title": "Iraq’s PM orders probe after US flag trampled by Iran-backed militias",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/iraqs-pm-orders-probe-after-us-flag-trampled-by-iran-backed-militias",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T12:43:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/10/04/iraqs-pm-orders-probe-after-us-flag-trampled-by-iran-backed-militias/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Iraq's Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi has ordered an investigation into the desecration of the American flag during parades marking the withdrawal of US troops from the country. The incident occurred during Iraq's Sovereignty Day events, which were celebrated by the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) and Iran-backed militias staging large military parades in different parts of Baghdad. The PMF, an umbrella group of mostly Shiite paramilitary forces with close ties to Iran, displayed the flags of Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iran, as well as images of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the parades. US Congressman Joe Wilson condemned the act, stating that it undermines Iraq's diplomatic standing and its commitment not to use its territory to threaten neighbors. The incident comes at a sensitive moment as Al Zaidi declared full sovereignty after 12 years of the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Iraq’s PM orders probe after US flag trampled by Iran-backed militias",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/iraqs-pm-orders-probe-after-us-flag-trampled-by-iran-backed-militias-11926345",
        "published": "2026-10-04T12:43:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}