Peregraf
The United States has issued a final warning to Iraq, urging the government in Baghdad to curb armed groups attacking Israel from its territory. Washington has cautioned that it no longer has the leverage to restrain Tel Aviv, with the threat of Israeli airstrikes on Iraq described as “imminent.”
Citing sources close to the matter, Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath reported that U.S. officials have informed Iraq’s leadership of their diminishing ability to pressure Israel. The warning emphasizes that unless Baghdad takes decisive steps to halt the operations of armed factions aligned with Iran, Israeli military action against these groups within Iraq is highly likely.
“The United States has conveyed to Baghdad that its tools to prevent an Israeli response are exhausted,” the sources stated. Washington has reportedly demanded “urgent measures” to put an end to the cross-border aggression, highlighting the severe implications for regional stability.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where Iran-backed militias have reportedly targeted Israel in the ongoing conflict. The development raises concerns about a broader escalation involving Iraq, Israel, and Iran.
Baghdad has not yet officially commented on the U.S. warning or its stance on the armed groups’ actions. However, analysts suggest that Iraq faces a delicate balancing act, seeking to avoid becoming a battleground while addressing internal political and security challenges.
In response to Israel’s complaint to the UN Security Council, accusing Iraq of hosting groups attacking Israel, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani held an emergency meeting of the Ministerial Council for National Security yesterday. The council rejected Israel's complaint, calling it a pretext for aggression against Iraq, and emphasized that only the Iraqi government can decide on matters of peace and war.
The Council warned that Israel's accusations could destabilize the region and called for international actors to focus on dialogue. Iraq urged the UN Security Council to address previous complaints filed by Baghdad against Israel and appealed to the League of Arab States for collective action. Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was tasked with intensifying efforts in international forums to counter threats.
Prime Minister al-Sudani issued directives to enhance Iraq’s defenses by reinforcing western borders, upgrading air defense systems, monitoring hostile activities, and activating emergency response plans. The Council reiterated Iraq’s commitment to regional stability and its role in supporting nations under attack.
These developments underscore the complexities in the Middle East, as Iraq navigates internal security challenges, diplomatic tensions, and broader regional crises.