Nationwide power outage reported across Iraq

BAGHDAD– Iraq’s Electricity Ministry announced Wednesday evening a total nationwide power outage affecting all governorates, bar the Kurdistan Region, saying authorities are investigating the cause and working to restore service.

In a statement, the ministry said, “A total blackout of the electrical system has occurred across all Iraqi governorates. The causes are being reviewed, and work has begun to restore disconnected stations and lines to operation.”

The ministry did not provide further details on the cause of the outage.

The nationwide blackout in Iraq comes at a time of heightened regional conflict that has already affected Iraq. Since the escalation of the U.S.–Israel war on Iran on Feb. 28, the conflict has expanded across the Middle East, including Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, where Iran-aligned militias such as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and Saraya Awliya al-Dam have launched drone and missile attacks on U.S. and allied positions.