{
  "id": 11926345,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T12:43:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "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": "Iraqi 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 Iraq. The incident occurred on Friday during Sovereignty Day events, when the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) and Iran-backed militias staged military parades in Baghdad. The PMF, an umbrella group of Shiite paramilitary forces with close ties to Iran, displayed the flags of Lebanon's Hezbollah, Iran, and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. US Congressman Joe Wilson criticized the act, stating that it undermines Iraq's diplomatic standing and commitment to not using its territory to threaten neighbors. The incident comes at a sensitive time, as Al Zaidi recently declared full sovereignty after 12 years of US-led Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "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",
        "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."
}