India, Nov. 9 -- Iraq has stepped up security preparations and drawn up emergency plans amid growing fears of a fresh war between the United States and Iran. The measures include a possible shift to online classes and arrangements to accommodate people displaced by the fighting, Asharq Al-Awsat reported, citing Iraqi officials.

Army commanders have been granted "exceptional powers" to respond immediately to armed violations without seeking prior approval from Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, according to the Arab newspaper.

A senior Iraqi security official said that surveillance has been intensified along sensitive stretches of the Iranian and Syrian borders. Security forces are conducting round-the-clock checks for unusual movements, with ...