US seeks to prevent Israeli strikes on Iraq

Pro-Tehran militias in Iraq have warned that any Israeli strikes on Iraqi territory could damage Baghdad’s strategic relationship with Washington, according to militia statements.

Diplomatic sources indicate that the United States is actively discouraging Israel from conducting operations against Iraqi targets, seeking to preserve its complex relationship with Baghdad.

Iraq, whilst maintaining significant diplomatic and security ties with the United States, is pursuing expanded cooperation beyond military matters into comprehensive economic partnerships.

The Iran-aligned Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of armed groups, has intensified its operations against Israeli targets, though Israeli defence forces report intercepting the majority of incoming projectiles.

In its latest operation on Saturday, the group claimed responsibility for launching unmanned aerial vehicles towards Israel’s Eilat region, declaring in an official statement its intention to “escalate operations against enemy positions”.

The surge in militant activity, purportedly in solidarity with Gaza, has raised international concerns about Iraq being pulled into a broader regional conflict. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has consistently maintained that decisions regarding war and peace remain the exclusive domain of Iraq’s constitutional institutions.

Intelligence assessments indicate the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has conducted more than 240 attacks targeting Israeli territory since its formation. These reports highlight the group’s expanding influence within Iran’s regional network, which encompasses Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Hamas, and Yemen’s Houthi movement.

Senior Israeli defence officials have signalled potential military action against Iraq should Baghdad fail to curtail Tehran-aligned factions. Iraqi government representatives have firmly rejected any use of their territory for attacks against Israel, while warning against what they characterise as manufactured pretexts for Israeli military intervention.

Several prominent figures within Iraq’s pro-Iran political and militia circles have recently displayed more measured approaches to regional tensions.

This shift follows Tehran’s indicated willingness to engage in diplomatic discussions aimed at reducing tensions with Washington, amidst concerns about broader regional escalation.