BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi government has urged Iran not to target US interests on its soil, as fears mount over the country being dragged into a broader regional conflict between Iran and Israel, a senior Iraqi security official told AFP on Saturday.
The request comes as Israel and Iran continue to trade blows, heightening tensions across the Middle East. Baghdad, which maintains close ties with Tehran while also serving as a strategic partner to Washington, is walking a fine line. The US has around 2,500 troops stationed in Iraq as part of the international coalition against jihadist groups.
“The request was made. They promised us positive things,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. The source added that Tehran appeared to show understanding of Baghdad’s concerns and its desire to remain neutral.
Baghdad’s request comes amid heightened tensions, following a dramatic escalation early Friday when Israel launched a series of airstrikes on military and nuclear facilities inside Iran. Prior to the strikes, Tehran had warned it would retaliate against U.S. military bases in the region if nuclear talks with Washington collapsed or open conflict broke out.
Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023—fought between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hamas—Iranian-aligned militias in Iraq and Syria have launched dozens of rocket and drone attacks on US positions in the region.
Just days before the latest escalation, the United States announced a reduction in staffing at its embassy in Baghdad, citing security concerns.
On Friday, several pro-Iranian groups in Iraq renewed calls for the expulsion of US forces from the country. The influential Kataib Hezbollah warned of the potential for “additional wars in the region” if US troops remain.
AFP