Iraq FM dismisses claims of Iran preparing to launch attack on Israel from Iraqi soil

November 8, 2024 - 22:11

TEHRAN – Iraq’s top diplomat, Fuad Hussein, has categorically denied allegations that Iran is planning to strike Israel from within Iraq.

In an interview with Kurdish-language television channel Zagros, the Minister dismissed assertions from Western media regarding Iran's alleged intentions to utilize Iraqi territory for military actions against the occupied territories. 

This clarification follows an October 31 report by Axios reporter Barak Ravid, a former analyst with Israeli intelligence agency Unit 8200, whose report cited sources from the regime claiming that “the Iranian attack is anticipated to be launched from Iraq utilizing a significant number of drones and ballistic missiles.” 

Iraq's top diplomat further emphasized that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani maintains regular communication with the commanders of Iraqi Resistance groups, who have reiterated their commitment to refrain from any actions that could trigger a conflict in Iraq. 

"We categorically stand against war and aggression targeted at Iran," Hussein declared. 

In the early hours of October 26, Israeli warplanes breached Iraqi airspace to fire long-range ballistic missiles at Iran's military radar installations. 

While the strike caused only minor damage to certain radar systems, Iran promptly restored them to full operational status. Tragically, the aggression resulted in the martyrdom of four Army personnel and one civilian. 

In reaction to Israel’s infringement on Iraqi sovereignty, Baghdad denounced the regime's use of its airspace. Additionally, the anti-terror group Kata'ib Hezbollah, known for defending Iraqi sovereignty against foreign intervention, termed the Israeli incursion a “dangerous precedent.” 

On November 2, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, emphasized that the enemy's actions would not go unpunished. He warned that Israel and its ally, the United States, would face a “tooth-breaking response” for their aggressions against Iran and the broader Axis of Resistance.