TEHRAN – In a reaffirmation of Iraq's stance on neutrality and sovereignty, Iraq’s National Security Advisor, Qasim al-Araji, underscored the country's firm opposition to any unauthorized use of its airspace for military strikes against Iran or other neighboring countries.

During a meeting on Saturday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, al-Araji emphasized Baghdad's commitment to upholding regional stability and preventing Iraq’s airspace from being leveraged for hostile actions.

In this meeting, the two sides reviewed strategies to boost security and stability, implement border control agreements, and strengthen cooperation against terrorism and smuggling.

Al-Araji, who arrived in Tehran on Sunday, also met with Iran’s military attaché in Baghdad, Major General Majid Qolipour. 

A statement from al-Araji's office highlighted that the talks centered on strengthening cooperation between Iraq and Iran to enhance regional security and uphold border control agreements. Both sides discussed bolstering their coordinated efforts in combating terrorism and thwarting smuggling activities—a persistent challenge along their shared border.

This reaffirmation from Iraq comes amid recent escalation following Israel’s airstrike on Iranian military sites, using US-controlled Iraqi airspace to carry out the attack. 

According to Iranian officials, on October 26, Israeli fighter jets launched projectiles at Iranian military positions in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces, resulting in the deaths of four Iranian servicemen and one civilian, as well as some infrastructural damage. Iran’s General Staff confirmed these strikes utilized airspace managed by the United States in Iraq.

The incident has added fuel to already heightened regional tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi publicly denounced the attack, stating that Israel’s actions were a violation of Iran’s sovereignty, facilitated by the US military’s presence in the region. 

Iraq has taken the issue to the international stage; government spokesman Basim al-Awadi confirmed that Baghdad submitted a formal protest to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council. In this letter, Iraq condemned Israel’s alleged use of its airspace for the operation and reiterated its call for respect of its territorial integrity.