Iraqi forces affiliated with Iran are opting to remain detached from Israel’s conflicts with Hezbollah and Iran due to fears of escalating violence that could destabilize Iraq. Leaders emphasize humanitarian support for affected civilians and state that they will not target US interests unless provoked. Prime Minister Sudani is actively seeking diplomatic interventions to maintain calm in the region.
Iraqi political and military factions with alliances to Iran have chosen to remain uninvolved in the ongoing confrontations involving Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran. This decision stems from concerns that an escalation could result in significant consequences for Iraq and threaten their own operational stability. Instead, Iraqi officials and leaders of Iranian-affiliated groups have stated that their focus will primarily be on delivering humanitarian assistance and providing financial support to civilians adversely impacted by Israel’s military actions in Lebanon. Iraqi commanders have indicated that for the time being, no military operations will target American interests or bases in Iraq or Syria. Recent tensions following Israel’s military activities in Gaza, which have provoked violent responses from Hezbollah in Lebanon as well as groups in Yemen and Iraq, have led to increased concerns about potential attacks on Iraqi territory. Although regional unrest escalated, Iraqi officials maintain that entering the conflict could jeopardize Iraq’s political and military integrity, as well as its government structure. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has engaged in extensive discussions with various political leaders, Iranian-affiliated commanders, and high-ranking security personnel, advocating for a cautious approach to the ongoing violence. Sudani’s diplomatic efforts have included outreach to Arab and Western leaders, emphasizing the need for intervention to halt Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Amidst fears of possible Israeli airstrikes targeting Iraq in retaliation for Iranian missile attacks, Iraqi officials believe that Israel might soon designate Iraq as a target for its military operations, which could include strikes against the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF). While the PMF oversees various Iranian-aligned groups, leaders within these factions insist the situation is being monitored closely, and they urge restraint to avoid presenting Israel with justification for military aggression. In a joint statement, Iraqi paramilitaries pledged not to initiate attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq unless provoked by American assistance to Israel. Sudani has heightened military readiness among Iraqi forces, and commanders have been directed to sidestep any involvement in the escalating conflict. Gathering intelligence and securing military assets against potential Israeli actions remain paramount, as the stakes of involvement in the regional clash intensify.
The Middle East is currently witnessing an inflamed conflict involving Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. This turmoil has roots in ongoing hostilities and retaliatory actions stemming from clashes in Gaza and Lebanon. Iraqi factions that are allied with Iran often find themselves caught in the crossfire of this regional instability. A key element of the current situation is the delicate balance that these Iraqi groups must navigate in maintaining their influence while also safeguarding Iraq’s sovereignty and avoiding drawing the nation further into broader regional hostilities.
Iraqi forces, particularly those affiliated with Iran, have decisively chosen not to engage in Israel’s conflicts with Hezbollah and Iran, citing the risks to Iraq’s stability and governance. While the humanitarian principle guides their current focus, the looming threat of reprisals from Israel emphasizes the high stakes involved. The Iraqi leadership, particularly Prime Minister Sudani, continues to advocate for diplomatic solutions to prevent the spillover of conflict into Iraq’s already fragile political landscape, maintaining that any unnecessary provocation could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities in their nation.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
