The website explained, quoting American and Israeli officials, that “Israeli and American intelligence information indicates that Iran is planning to launch a major attack against Israel from Iraqi territory in the coming days, in response to the recent Israeli strike.”
The officials said, “Since the Israeli attack, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces have transferred drones and ballistic missiles to Iraq, and are planning to launch a joint attack against Israel.”
The Axios website noted, “The United States has warned Iran publicly and privately against launching such an attack, but the Iranians have not yet shown any willingness to reduce the escalation.”
He pointed out that “White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani on Sunday regarding the planned Iranian attack from Iraq, and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also spoke with Al-Sudani on Monday about the same issue.”
The website added, “Sullivan and Blinken also informed Al-Sudani that Iran should not be allowed to launch an attack on Israel from Iraqi territory, while an American official quoted the Biden administration’s message to the Iraqi Prime Minister, which said: If you do not do that, we will not be able to prevent Israel from striking.” Iraq”.
The website confirmed that the White House and the State Department refused to comment on this matter, and the Iraqi embassy in Washington did not comment.
According to Axios, “The Iraqi Prime Minister and his advisors made it clear in private sessions and in statements in the Iraqi press that they do not want to see Iraq dragged into the Israeli-Iranian conflict.”
Last Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said, “Any mistake committed by Israel against his country will face a harsh response,” noting that “Israeli leaders reconsidering their behavior, accepting a ceasefire, and stopping killing innocent people may affect the nature and intensity of the Iranian response.” “.
Source: RT + Axios website
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Nelson, Middle East Security Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Nelson. We’ve seen recent intelligence reports suggesting that Iran is preparing to launch an attack against Israel from Iraqi territory. Could you give us more context about this situation?
**Dr. Nelson:** Absolutely. The situation is tense, as this development underscores the potential for a significant escalation in regional hostilities. U.S. and Israeli officials have indicated that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has moved drones and ballistic missiles to Iraq, ostensibly as a response to recent Israeli strikes.
**Editor:** What implications could this have for Iraq and the broader region?
**Dr. Nelson:** This is a precarious situation for Iraq, which has tried to maintain a neutral stance amidst tensions between Iran and Israel. An Iranian attack launched from Iraqi soil could implicate the Iraqi government and expose it to retaliation. Additionally, it could destabilize the already fragile political situation in the country and potentially draw the U.S. deeper into the conflict.
**Editor:** How do you see the role of U.S. forces in this scenario?
**Dr. Nelson:** The U.S. has a vested interest in deterring Iranian aggression in the region. Should Iran proceed with an attack, it’s likely that the U.S. will be faced with tough decisions regarding military engagement to protect its interests and allies. The presence of U.S. forces in Iraq could act as a deterrent, but it also raises the stakes for American personnel in the region.
**Editor:** What are the potential immediate consequences if Iran does initiate such an attack?
**Dr. Nelson:** Immediate consequences could include a military response from Israel, which would likely target Iranian assets in both Iraq and possibly within Iran itself. This could lead to a broader conflict involving various regional powers, heightening tensions and instability, not just for Iraq, but across the Middle East.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Nelson, for your insights. The situation certainly remains fluid and concerning.
**Dr. Nelson:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep an eye on developments as they unfold.
