Iraq denies receiving alleged Israeli threats via third-party

While Iraq’s National Security Advisor dismissed claims of an Israeli communication via the Azerbaijani ambassador, other officials have acknowledged receiving warnings of potential Israeli strikes.

Iraq’s National Security Advisor, Qassem Al-Araji, firmly denied reports that Israel relayed messages to Baghdad through the Azerbaijani ambassador. 

In a Monday post on the X Platform, Al-Araji dismissed the claims as “false” and urged media outlets to rely on official sources. “No such communication has taken place,” he wrote, calling for responsible journalism during heightened regional tensions.

Nevertheless, there are conflicting narratives from within Iraq’s leadership. Fadi Al-Shammari, a political advisor to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, stated during a televised interview that Iraq has received warnings from multiple international parties about a potential Israeli military strike.

According to Al-Shammari, these warnings are linked to Israel’s complaint against Iraq at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), accusing Iran-aligned factions in Iraq of orchestrating attacks on Israel.

Al-Shammari suggested that Israel is leveraging UNSC Resolution 1545 to isolate Iraq internationally. He emphasised that Iraq has responded diplomatically to these accusations while rejecting any external attempts to pressure its sovereignty.

The New Arab contacted Basim Al-Awadi, the spokesperson of Iraq’s government, and some other Iraqi lawmakers from the parliament’s foreign relations committee, but they were not available to comment. 

Threat of Israeli strikes

Iraq welcomed a ceasefire that took effect on Wednesday between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, calling on the international community to act urgently to end Israel’s war on Gaza. Iraqi political observers have anticipated that after the ceasefire, Israel would intensify its attacks on Gaza and pro-Iran militias in Iraq. 

Majid Shingali, a Kurdish MP in the Iraqi parliament, added fuel to the debate, claiming while talking to local Iraqi media that Israel is planning airstrikes on multiple locations in Iraq as early as 26 or 27 November. Shingali alleged that these threats were communicated through various international channels, including the Azerbaijani ambassador and the United States. He described the situation as “dire”, warning that Israel has signalled it will act unless Iraq reins in armed factions allegedly targeting Israeli interests.

In response to these developments, Iraq escalated diplomatic efforts to counter what it perceives as escalating Israeli aggression. Baghdad has lodged formal complaints with the UN Security Council, the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, calling on the international community to pressure Israel to cease its threats. Iraq has also urged the UN to review past complaints against Israel and impose sanctions for violations of international law.

Amer Al-Fayez, a member of Iraq’s Foreign Relations Committee, stated to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, TNA’s Arabic-language sister publication, that Baghdad is treating these threats with utmost seriousness. “The Israeli complaint to the Security Council is a precursor to possible military action,” he warned.

Iraq has also pressed the United States to prevent Israel from escalating the conflict, amid fears of being drawn into a broader regional confrontation.

Israel’s broader campaign 

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar recently called on the UNSC to take action against what he described as “Iranian-backed militias operating in Iraq”. In a letter to the council, Sa’ar claimed that Iraq’s territory is being used as a launchpad for attacks on Israel, asserting Israel’s “right to self-defence” under international law.

Netanyahu’s government has reportedly outlined a multi-front strategy targeting Iran-backed factions across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and Iran. Analysts suggest that Israel’s latest threats against Iraq are part of this broader campaign.

Iraq’s Prime Minister Al-Sudani last week convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, emphasising the need to protect Iraq’s sovereignty. Major General Yahya Rasool, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief, dismissed Israel’s allegations as “baseless” but acknowledged the need for heightened security.

“Iraq alone decides matters of war and peace,” Rasool said, reiterating the country’s commitment to preventing its territory from being used for attacks on other nations.

The government has increased troop deployments along western borders and reinforced air defences to protect critical infrastructure. Intelligence agencies have been directed to monitor potential threats, while diplomatic channels remain active to de-escalate the situation.

Experts warn that Iraq’s ability to navigate these challenges is constrained by its internal divisions and reliance on Iran-aligned factions. Ihsan Al-Shammari, an Iraqi political analyst, described the situation as precarious. “Iraq faces external threats and internal vulnerabilities. Its response will require careful diplomacy and unity, both of which are in short supply,” he previously told TNA.

As Iraq prepares for potential Israeli strikes, the government continues to push for regional solidarity and international accountability. However, with a volatile regional landscape and limited leverage, the path forward remains fraught with uncertainty.