search
Sign In Subscribe
Liberty Caller Editorial Team

Allies or Targets? Can Iraq Stay NEUTRAL?

US forces intercepted Iranian drones headed for Israel over Iraqi airspace, intensifying the dangerous cycle of attacks between Israel and Iran that threatens to engulf the entire region in a wider conflict.

At a Glance

  • Two Iranian drones en route to Israel were shot down over Iraq by the US-led coalition at Ain al-Asad military base
  • Israel launched massive strikes on Iran, targeting military and nuclear sites with 200 fighter jets and over 330 munitions
  • Iran retaliated by firing over 100 drones and ballistic missiles at Israel, with some hitting targets in Tel Aviv and Haifa
  • Iraq faces a precarious diplomatic situation as it maintains relationships with both Iran and the US
  • Iraqi militant group Kataeb Hezbollah warned the US against deeper involvement in the conflict

US Coalition Intercepts Iranian Drones Over Iraq

The US-led international coalition stationed at Iraq’s Ain al-Asad military base successfully intercepted two Iranian drones that were headed toward Israel. This military action highlights Iraq’s complicated position as both an ally of Iran and host to approximately 2,500 US troops who remain in the country as part of the anti-ISIS coalition. The interception represents a significant escalation in US military involvement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, despite Washington’s official stance of not directly participating in Israel’s operations against Iranian targets.

“The international coalition at Ain al-Asad (military base) shot down two Iranian drones that were en route to Israel,” confirmed an Iraqi official.

Israel’s Extensive Strike Operation Against Iran

Israel launched what military observers describe as one of its most extensive operations against Iran, deploying approximately 200 fighter jets and delivering over 330 munitions against more than 100 targets inside Iranian territory. The Israeli military stated that their targets were sites “related to the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons project.” However, the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Iran’s Fordo nuclear site was not impacted by the strikes, raising questions about the actual targets and effectiveness of the operation.

“Throughout the day, we once again demonstrated our ability to remove threats in a coordinated, precise and daring manner,” stated Brigadier General Effie Defrin.

The Israeli bombardment ignited a fire at the Shahran oil facility in Tehran and reportedly targeted other civilian and energy infrastructure. The attack prompted stern warnings from Iranian leadership, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowing that the “Iranian Armed Forces would respond fiercely to the strikes and leave Israel ‘helpless.'” This rhetoric indicates that the cycle of attacks may continue despite international calls for restraint.

Iran’s Massive Retaliation

Iran’s response came swiftly and forcefully as it launched more than 100 drones and numerous ballistic missiles at targets across Israel, including major population centers like Tel Aviv and Haifa. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted many of the incoming projectiles, but some reportedly reached their targets. Warning sirens sounded throughout Israel as citizens rushed to shelter. According to medical and media reports, at least eight people were killed in the attacks, marking a significant escalation in the conflict’s human toll.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified the American position, stating, “The U.S. was not involved in Israel’s strikes,” while adding a warning that “Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.” Despite this official distancing, US forces actively participated in defending Israeli airspace by helping to intercept Iranian missiles, demonstrating America’s continued commitment to Israel’s security while attempting to avoid direct confrontation with Iran.

Iraq’s Perilous Position

Iraq finds itself in an increasingly precarious position as tensions escalate between its allies. The Iraqi government has negotiated a timetable for the withdrawal of coalition forces, with a complete exit planned by the end of 2026. However, the current crisis threatens to complicate this arrangement. Iraqi militant group Kataeb Hezbollah, which maintains close ties with Iran, issued a stark warning to American forces about their involvement in the conflict, potentially jeopardizing the orderly withdrawal process.

The group further warned, “We are closely monitoring the movements of the American enemy’s army. If America intervenes in the war, we will act directly and without hesitation against its interests and bases throughout the region.” This threat raises the specter of wider regional involvement, including potential actions by other Iran-backed groups such as the Houthis in Yemen, who could participate in a coordinated response against Israel and potentially US interests in the Middle East.

Please leave your comment below!

*