Iraq has reached out to both the Iranian and US governments in a strategic effort to avoid becoming embroiled in escalating tensions in the region. This move comes against the backdrop of rising hostilities between Israel and Iran, with recent military exchanges intensifying the situation.
Despite being a close ally of Iran, Iraq also maintains significant ties with the United States, which has a military presence of approximately 2,500 troops stationed in the country as part of an anti-jihadist coalition. A senior Iraqi security official confirmed that Baghdad has requested Tehran refrain from targeting US positions within Iraqi territory. The official conveyed that Iran had promised to consider this request positively.
In a parallel diplomatic initiative, an Iraqi government representative has formally asked the United States to prevent any Israeli military aircraft from violating Iraqi airspace. This complaint follows recent Israeli aerial attacks, which Iraq perceives as a direct threat to its sovereignty. The Iraqi official emphasized that it is essential for the US, as the leader of the international coalition against the Islamic State group, to take responsibility for actions that could jeopardize Iraq’s stability.
The heightened tensions can be traced back to a series of Israeli assaults on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, which began earlier this month. These attacks have prompted Iran to issue threats regarding potential retaliation against American military bases in the region, particularly if negotiations surrounding its nuclear program with the US remain unresolved.
Since the onset of the ongoing Gaza conflict, which has embroiled Israel and Iran-backed groups like Hamas, Iranian-aligned militia factions have conducted numerous rocket and drone strikes targeting US forces in both Iraq and Syria.
In response to the escalating security threats, the United States recently announced a reduction in staff at its embassy in Baghdad, citing concerns for personnel safety. In the wake of these developments, several Iraqi militia groups, particularly the influential Kataeb Hezbollah, have publicly called for the expedited withdrawal of US forces from Iraq, warning that continued hostilities could lead to broader conflicts in the region.
