Iraq is actively engaging with both the Iranian and US governments to prevent itself from being drawn into the escalating regional conflict between Washington’s ally, Israel and Iran.
Iraqi officials confirmed on Saturday that Baghdad is seeking to navigate its complex position as a close ally of Tehran and a strategic partner of the United States, which maintains approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq as part of an anti-jihadist coalition.
A senior Iraqi security official, speaking anonymously, revealed that Baghdad had appealed to Tehran not to target US interests within Iraqi territory, receiving “positive” assurances in return.
Concurrently, an Iraqi government official, also preferring anonymity, stated that “Iraq officially asked the United States of America not to allow Israeli aircraft to violate Iraqi airspace.” This request follows Iraq’s formal complaint lodged with the United Nations on Friday regarding Israel’s alleged use of its airspace to attack Iran.
The Iraqi government official stressed that the United States, as the leader of the international coalition against the Islamic State group, “is required to assume its responsibilities and prevent any violations that affect Iraq’s security or endanger its stability.” This diplomatic push comes amidst heightened regional tensions, which began Friday with Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites.
Before this escalation, Tehran had threatened to attack military bases hosting US forces in the region if nuclear talks with Washington failed.
Throughout the Gaza war, which started in October 2023, Iran-aligned armed factions in Iraq and Syria have conducted numerous rocket and drone attacks targeting US forces.
In response to the recent wave of attacks on Iran, the United States had already announced a reduction in staffing at its Baghdad embassy on Wednesday due to security concerns.
Several pro-Iran groups in Iraq subsequently called on Friday for the accelerated withdrawal of US forces from the country, with the influential Kataeb Hezbollah warning of “additional wars in the region.”
