Iraq’s National Security Council on Wednesday rejected reports alleging that Iraqi territory was used as a launchpad for attacks on Israel by Iran, calling these claims “false pretexts” intended to justify aggression against Iraq.
The council, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, denied claims that Iraqi territory would be used as a staging ground for Iranian attacks on Israel, according to military spokesperson Major General Yahya Rasool.
The security meeting reviewed Iraq’s defence posture, emphasising the country’s commitment to staying neutral in regional conflicts while safeguarding its sovereignty. Rasool reiterated Iraq’s stance, affirming that national interests require Iraq to “distance our territories and skies from the machinery of war.”
In a separate meeting, the ruling State Administration Coalition, led by al-Sudani and Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, affirmed Iraq’s dedication to neutrality in regional conflicts. Coalition members highlighted the importance of shielding Iraq from escalating tensions and discussed measures to strengthen national security through legislation.
The coalition also condemned recent Israeli military actions, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people and labelling Israel’s conduct as “war crimes.”
Meanwhile, Iran-aligned factions within Iraq, which identify as part of the Islamic Resistance, have reportedly continued strikes on Israeli targets in pre-1948 Palestinian territories and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights in Syria.
These factions claimed to have escalated coordination efforts in response to perceived threats from Israel, which they allege may target Iraq in retaliation. The factions cited a recent attack, where an Iraqi drone strike reportedly killed two Israeli soldiers in the Golan Heights, as a reason for increased vigilance.
Meanwhile, a source close to senior Iraqi and Iranian officials, speaking anonymously to The New Arab, indicated that Iran intends to respond to recent Israeli attacks on its territory. However, the source emphasised that Tehran is not rushing its anticipated response, but applying a “strategic approach” to the situation.
In related developments, Iraq lodged a formal protest with the United Nations over Israel’s alleged use of Iraqi airspace to launch an attack on Iran. Government spokesperson Bassim Alawadi described the airspace violation as a “blatant encroachment” on Iraq’s sovereignty in a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council.
Baghdad has announced plans to raise the issue in talks with the United States, Israel’s primary ally.
With tensions high across the region, Iraq’s government is calling for restraint to prevent further entanglement in the ongoing hostilities.
