Iraqi militias, particularly Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, are coordinating with Iran to retaliate against Israel for recent attacks. They assert Iran’s right to strike from Iraqi territory and have indicated plans to deploy advanced military technology in their operations. Iraq’s government is faced with the risk of escalating conflict, which could destabilize its tenuous relationships with both the U.S. and Iran.
Haidar al-Lami, a key figure in the political bureau of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, has publicly announced his militia’s cooperation with Iran to orchestrate a response against Israel. In an interview with the Hezbollah-linked Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, al-Lami stated that the militia is in full coordination with Iran to determine the timing and targets for such actions. He emphasized Iran’s entitlement to retaliate against Israel from Iraqi territory, underscoring a sustained commitment to countering Israeli operations through various military means, including advanced missile technology. This latest declaration of intent follows threats made by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who promised a “crushing response” to Israel for recent military actions against Iranian assets. Al-Lami characterized the Israeli attack as a significant violation of Iraqi airspace and international protocols, implicating U.S. involvement. He also asserted that the immediate focus of the militias is to strike Israel, with potential actions aimed at American bases as secondary targets, promoting an aggressive stance amidst failed diplomatic endeavors. Reports indicate that Iranian military operations may originate from Iraqi soil, potentially utilizing a variety of drones and ballistic missiles. Such military capabilities were highlighted by an unnamed political authority, who reaffirmed that Iran has the means to strike Israel effectively. While Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, express concern over these escalations, they are also apprehensive about Iran’s proxies defiance against any governmental pressure to cease operations. The potential for retaliatory actions from Iraq carries significant risks of escalating conflict and drawing Israeli military responses into Iraqi territory, creating complications for a government that seeks to navigate its relationships with both the United States and Iran.
The context of this situation involves longstanding conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the hostilities between Iran and Israel. Iraqi militias, many of whom are Iranian-backed, have a history of engaging in anti-Israel operations. The dynamics change drastically concerning Iraq’s official stance as it lacks diplomatic relations with Israel, making its government wary of militias acting independently in ways that could provoke Israeli military responses. The volatility of U.S.-Iran relations also complicates Iraq’s position, as it tries to maintain a balance between its powerful allies.
As Iraqi militias publicly affirm their intentions to ally with Iran against Israel, the geopolitical landscape becomes increasingly perilous. The potential for military conflict highlights the delicate position of the Iraqi government, which seeks stability while grappling with the influence of Iranian-backed factions. The implications of any military actions taken from within Iraq could lead to a significant escalation of regional tensions, drawing in broader international interests, particularly those of the United States.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
