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France 24
19-06-2025
- Politics
- France 24
Iraq's top Shiite cleric warns against targeting Iran's leadership
Sistani said in a statement Thursday that any targeting of Iran's "supreme religious and political leadership" would have "dire consequences on the region". He warned that such action against the Shiite-led Islamic republic could spark "widespread chaos that would exacerbate the suffering of its (the region's) people and severely harm everyone's interests". Sistani urged the international community to "make every effort to end this unjust war and find a peaceful solution" to concerns about Iran's nuclear programme. Sistani, an Iranian, is the highest religious authority for millions of Shiite Muslims in Iraq and around the world, with the power to mobilise a huge following in Iraq. Despite his Iranian roots, Sistani is seen as a key figure in Iraq's recent history and has been known for pushing back against Tehran's growing clout in the country. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said Thursday that Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "can no longer be allowed to exist" after an Israeli hospital was hit during an Iranian missile attack. Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not rule out plans to assassinate Khamenei. US President Donald Trump had earlier said his country would not kill Khamenei "for now", but demanded Tehran's "unconditional surrender" and warned he was weighing military action in the conflict. Israel launched a surprise attack Friday targeting Iran's military and nuclear sites and killing top commanders and scientists, saying it is acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, an ambition Tehran denies. The assault has prompted Iran to retaliate with barrages of missiles on Israel, with residential areas in both countries suffering too. Iraq's National Security Adviser Qassem al-Araji urged the European Union on Thursday to exert pressure on Israel to stop the war, ahead of a meeting between Iran and European powers. With warnings of all-out regional war intensifying, fears are growing over an intervention by Iran-backed Iraqi factions, mostly against American interests in the region. 'Destruction' Akram al-Kaabi, the leader of the pro-Iran group, Al-Nujaba, warned the United States against going after Khamenei. "If you harm a hair" of Khamenei's head "you and your allies will be under our fire," Kaabi said in a statement. "No soldier or diplomat will be spared," Kaabi said. "Every person holding your nationality in our region, as well as all your direct or indirect interest will be a legitimate target," he added. The powerful faction Kataeb Hezbollah said that Trump "made a mistake" when he spoke of Khamenei and warned the US president of "unprecedented calamities and destruction" if he goes into war in support of Israel. In Lebanon, Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah warned against threatening Khamenei, describing it as "an act of recklessness and foolishness" that would have "grave consequences". It "constitutes an offence to hundreds of millions of believers", added the group, which suffered heavy blows in its latest confrontation with Israel last year.
Iraqi News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq seeks to avoid Israel-Iran consequences
Baghdad – In Iraqi airspace, Iranian missiles and drones have crossed paths with Israeli warplanes, forcing Baghdad to step up efforts to avoid being drawn into the region's latest conflict. But with Baghdad both an ally of Iran and a strategic partner of the United States, Israel's closest supporter, it may struggle to avoid the fighting spreading to its territory. 'There is a sizable risk of a spillover escalation in Iraq,' said political analyst Sajad Jiyad. 'Iraqis have a right to be worried,' he added. With warnings of all-out regional war intensifying following Israel's surprise assault on Iran last week, fears are growing over an intervention by Iran-backed Iraqi factions, which have been calling for the withdrawal of US troops deployed in Iraq as part of an anti-jihadist coalition. A senior Iraqi security official told AFP on condition of anonymity that among pro-Iran actors 'everyone is cooperating with the government to keep Iraq away from conflict.' But Jiyad warned that if the US supports Israel's attacks, it 'may lead to pro-Iran elements inside Iraq targeting US troops' or other American interests like the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region. This could lead to the US and Israel taking retaliatory actions within Iraq, Jiyad added. Iraq, which has been for years navigating a delicate balancing act between Tehran and Washington, has long been a fertile ground for proxy battles. – 'On standby' – In 2020, during US President Donald Trump's first term, Washington killed Iran's esteemed Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad. Most recently, amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Iraq was on the brink of being drawn into the conflict after pro-Iran factions launched numerous attacks on US troops in the region, as well as mostly failed attacks on Israel, in support of Palestinians. Washington retaliated by hitting the armed groups. In recent days, Baghdad has been working diplomatic channels to prevent the latest violence from spreading onto its turf. It has called on Washington to prevent Israeli jets from using Iraqi airspace to carry out attacks against Iran. It also asked Iran not to strike US targets in its territory, and was promised 'positive things', according to a senior Iraqi official. Israel's use of Iraq's airspace has angered pro-Iran groups, who accused US troops of allowing it. Powerful armed faction Kataeb Hezbollah stressed that Iran does not need 'military support', but it said that the group is 'closely monitoring' the US military in the region. It warned that if Washington intervenes in the war, the group 'will act directly against its interests and bases in the region without hesitation.' A US official urged the Iraqi government to 'protect diplomatic missions, as well as US military personnel.' 'We believe Iraq will be more stable and sovereign by becoming energy independent and distancing itself from Iran's malign influence,' the official told AFP, referring to Iraq's dependency on gas imports from Iran. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, warned that Iran-backed groups 'continue to engage in violent and destabilising activities in Iraq.' – Not alone – Israel's surprise attack on Iran targeted military and nuclear facilities and killed many top commanders and atomic scientists. Iran responded by unleashing barrages of missile strikes on Israel. Tamer Badawi, an expert on Iraqi armed groups, said 'the more Iran struggles to sustain its firepower against Israel, the likelier it becomes that Iraqi paramilitary actors will be drawn in.' For now, 'Iran is trying to avoid collateral damage to its network by keeping its regional allies on standby. But this posture could shift,' he added. Before launching its attack on Iran, Israel had badly hit Tehran's proxies in the region, significantly weakening some groups, including Lebanon's Hezbollah. 'Beyond attacks within Iraq, Iran-backed Iraqi groups retain the capacity to target Israel from western Iraq using their missile arsenals, as they have done before,' Badawi said. They might also target American interests in Jordan. But Iraqi officials say they have other plans for their country, which has only recently regained a semblance of stability after decades of devastating conflicts and turmoil. Iraq is gearing up for its legislative elections in November, which are often marked by heated political wrangling. For armed groups, elections are a crucial battleground as they strive to secure more seats in parliament. 'Sometimes, the sword must be kept in the sheath, but this does not mean abandoning our weapons,' a commander of an armed faction told AFP. The armed groups will not leave Iran, their 'godfather.. in the battle alone.'
France 24
17-06-2025
- Politics
- France 24
Iraq treads a tightrope to avoid spillover from Israel-Iran conflict
But with Baghdad both an ally of Iran and a strategic partner of the United States, Israel's closest supporter, it may struggle to avoid the fighting spreading to its territory. "There is a sizable risk of a spillover escalation in Iraq," said political analyst Sajad Jiyad. "Iraqis have a right to be worried," he added. With warnings of all-out regional war intensifying following Israel's surprise assault on Iran last week, fears are growing over an intervention by Iran-backed Iraqi factions, which have been calling for the withdrawal of US troops deployed in Iraq as part of an anti-jihadist coalition. A senior Iraqi security official told AFP on condition of anonymity that among pro-Iran actors "everyone is cooperating with the government to keep Iraq away from conflict." But Jiyad warned that if the US supports Israel's attacks, it "may lead to pro-Iran elements inside Iraq targeting US troops" or other American interests like the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region. This could lead to the US and Israel taking retaliatory actions within Iraq, Jiyad added. Iraq, which has been for years navigating a delicate balancing act between Tehran and Washington, has long been a fertile ground for proxy battles. - 'On standby' - In 2020, during US President Donald Trump's first term, Washington killed Iran's esteemed Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad. Most recently, amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Iraq was on the brink of being drawn into the conflict after pro-Iran factions launched numerous attacks on US troops in the region, as well as mostly failed attacks on Israel, in support of Palestinians. Washington retaliated by hitting the armed groups. In recent days, Baghdad has been working diplomatic channels to prevent the latest violence from spreading onto its turf. It has called on Washington to prevent Israeli jets from using Iraqi airspace to carry out attacks against Iran. It also asked Iran not to strike US targets in its territory, and was promised "positive things", according to a senior Iraqi official. Israel's use of Iraq's airspace has angered pro-Iran groups, who accused US troops of allowing it. Powerful armed faction Kataeb Hezbollah stressed that Iran does not need "military support", but it said that the group is "closely monitoring" the US military in the region. It warned that if Washington intervenes in the war, the group "will act directly against its interests and bases in the region without hesitation." A US official urged the Iraqi government to "protect diplomatic missions, as well as US military personnel." "We believe Iraq will be more stable and sovereign by becoming energy independent and distancing itself from Iran's malign influence," the official told AFP, referring to Iraq's dependency on gas imports from Iran. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, warned that Iran-backed groups "continue to engage in violent and destabilising activities in Iraq." Not alone Israel's surprise attack on Iran targeted military and nuclear facilities and killed many top commanders and atomic scientists. Iran responded by unleashing barrages of missile strikes on Israel. Tamer Badawi, an expert on Iraqi armed groups, said "the more Iran struggles to sustain its firepower against Israel, the likelier it becomes that Iraqi paramilitary actors will be drawn in." For now, "Iran is trying to avoid collateral damage to its network by keeping its regional allies on standby. But this posture could shift," he added. Before launching its attack on Iran, Israel had badly hit Tehran's proxies in the region, significantly weakening some groups, including Lebanon's Hezbollah. "Beyond attacks within Iraq, Iran-backed Iraqi groups retain the capacity to target Israel from western Iraq using their missile arsenals, as they have done before," Badawi said. They might also target American interests in Jordan. But Iraqi officials say they have other plans for their country, which has only recently regained a semblance of stability after decades of devastating conflicts and turmoil. Iraq is gearing up for its legislative elections in November, which are often marked by heated political wrangling. For armed groups, elections are a crucial battleground as they strive to secure more seats in parliament. "Sometimes, the sword must be kept in the sheath, but this does not mean abandoning our weapons," a commander of an armed faction told AFP.
Straits Times
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Iraq treads a tightrope to avoid spillover from Israel-Iran conflict
A demonstrator waves an Iranian flag during a protest against Israel's attack on Iran, in Basra, Iraq on June 13, 2025. PHOTO: AFP BAGHDAD - In Iraqi airspace, Iranian missiles and drones have crossed paths with Israeli warplanes, forcing Baghdad to step up efforts to avoid being drawn into the region's latest conflict. But with Baghdad both an ally of Iran and a strategic partner of the United States, Israel's closest supporter, it may struggle to avoid the fighting spreading to its territory. 'There is a sizable risk of a spillover escalation in Iraq,' said political analyst Sajad Jiyad. 'Iraqis have a right to be worried,' he added. With warnings of all-out regional war intensifying following Israel's surprise assault on Iran last week, fears are growing over an intervention by Iran-backed Iraqi factions, which have been calling for the withdrawal of US troops deployed in Iraq as part of an anti-jihadist coalition. A senior Iraqi security official told AFP on condition of anonymity that among pro-Iran actors 'everyone is cooperating with the government to keep Iraq away from conflict'. But Mr Jiyad warned that if the US supports Israel's attacks, it 'may lead to pro-Iran elements inside Iraq targeting US troops' or other American interests like the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region. This could lead to the US and Israel taking retaliatory actions within Iraq, Mr Jiyad added. Iraq, which has been for years navigating a delicate balancing act between Tehran and Washington, has long been a fertile ground for proxy battles. In 2020, during US President Donald Trump's first term, Washington killed Iran's esteemed Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad. Most recently, amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Iraq was on the brink of being drawn into the conflict after pro-Iran factions launched numerous attacks on US troops in the region, as well as mostly failed attacks on Israel, in support of Palestinians. Washington retaliated by hitting the armed groups. In recent days, Baghdad has been working diplomatic channels to prevent the latest violence from spreading onto its turf. It has called on Washington to prevent Israeli jets from using Iraqi airspace to carry out attacks against Iran. It also asked Iran not to strike US targets in its territory, and was promised 'positive things', according to a senior Iraqi official. Israel's use of Iraq's airspace has angered pro-Iran groups, who accused US troops of allowing it. Powerful armed faction Kataeb Hezbollah stressed that Iran does not need 'military support', but it said that the group is 'closely monitoring' the US military in the region. It warned that if Washington intervenes in the war, the group 'will act directly against its interests and bases in the region without hesitation'. A US official urged the Iraqi government to 'protect diplomatic missions, as well as US military personnel'. 'We believe Iraq will be more stable and sovereign by becoming energy independent and distancing itself from Iran's malign influence,' the official told AFP, referring to Iraq's dependency on gas imports from Iran. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, warned that Iran-backed groups 'continue to engage in violent and destabilising activities in Iraq'. Not alone Israel's surprise attack on Iran targeted military and nuclear facilities and killed many top commanders and atomic scientists. Iran responded by unleashing barrages of missile strikes on Israel. Mr Tamer Badawi, an expert on Iraqi armed groups, said 'the more Iran struggles to sustain its firepower against Israel, the likelier it becomes that Iraqi paramilitary actors will be drawn in'. For now, 'Iran is trying to avoid collateral damage to its network by keeping its regional allies on standby. But this posture could shift', he added. Before launching its attack on Iran, Israel had badly hit Tehran's proxies in the region, significantly weakening some groups, including Lebanon's Hezbollah. 'Beyond attacks within Iraq, Iran-backed Iraqi groups retain the capacity to target Israel from western Iraq using their missile arsenals, as they have done before,' Mr Badawi said. They might also target American interests in Jordan. But Iraqi officials say they have other plans for their country, which has only recently regained a semblance of stability after decades of devastating conflicts and turmoil. Iraq is gearing up for its legislative elections in November, which are often marked by heated political wrangling. For armed groups, elections are a crucial battleground as they strive to secure more seats in parliament. 'Sometimes, the sword must be kept in the sheath, but this does not mean abandoning our weapons,' a commander of an armed faction told AFP. The armed groups will not leave Iran, their 'godfather... in the battle alone'. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Int'l Business Times
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Iraq Treads A Tightrope To Avoid Spillover From Israel-Iran Conflict
In Iraqi airspace, Iranian missiles and drones have crossed paths with Israeli warplanes, forcing Baghdad to step up efforts to avoid being drawn into the region's latest conflict. But with Baghdad both an ally of Iran and a strategic partner of the United States, Israel's closest supporter, it may struggle to avoid the fighting spreading to its territory. "There is a sizable risk of a spillover escalation in Iraq," said political analyst Sajad Jiyad. "Iraqis have a right to be worried," he added. With warnings of all-out regional war intensifying following Israel's surprise assault on Iran last week, fears are growing over an intervention by Iran-backed Iraqi factions, which have been calling for the withdrawal of US troops deployed in Iraq as part of an anti-jihadist coalition. A senior Iraqi security official told AFP on condition of anonymity that among pro-Iran actors "everyone is cooperating with the government to keep Iraq away from conflict." But Jiyad warned that if the US supports Israel's attacks, it "may lead to pro-Iran elements inside Iraq targeting US troops" or other American interests like the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region. This could lead to the US and Israel taking retaliatory actions within Iraq, Jiyad added. Iraq, which has been for years navigating a delicate balancing act between Tehran and Washington, has long been a fertile ground for proxy battles. In 2020, during US President Donald Trump's first term, Washington killed Iran's esteemed Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad. Most recently, amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Iraq was on the brink of being drawn into the conflict after pro-Iran factions launched numerous attacks on US troops in the region, as well as mostly failed attacks on Israel, in support of Palestinians. Washington retaliated by hitting the armed groups. In recent days, Baghdad has been working diplomatic channels to prevent the latest violence from spreading onto its turf. It has called on Washington to prevent Israeli jets from using Iraqi airspace to carry out attacks against Iran. It also asked Iran not to strike US targets in its territory, and was promised "positive things", according to a senior Iraqi official. Israel's use of Iraq's airspace has angered pro-Iran groups, who accused US troops of allowing it. Powerful armed faction Kataeb Hezbollah stressed that Iran does not need "military support", but it said that the group is "closely monitoring" the US military in the region. It warned that if Washington intervenes in the war, the group "will act directly against its interests and bases in the region without hesitation." A US official urged the Iraqi government to "protect diplomatic missions, as well as US military personnel." "We believe Iraq will be more stable and sovereign by becoming energy independent and distancing itself from Iran's malign influence," the official told AFP, referring to Iraq's dependency on gas imports from Iran. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, warned that Iran-backed groups "continue to engage in violent and destabilising activities in Iraq." Israel's surprise attack on Iran targeted military and nuclear facilities and killed many top commanders and atomic scientists. Iran responded by unleashing barrages of missile strikes on Israel. Tamer Badawi, an expert on Iraqi armed groups, said "the more Iran struggles to sustain its firepower against Israel, the likelier it becomes that Iraqi paramilitary actors will be drawn in." For now, "Iran is trying to avoid collateral damage to its network by keeping its regional allies on standby. But this posture could shift," he added. Before launching its attack on Iran, Israel had badly hit Tehran's proxies in the region, significantly weakening some groups, including Lebanon's Hezbollah. "Beyond attacks within Iraq, Iran-backed Iraqi groups retain the capacity to target Israel from western Iraq using their missile arsenals, as they have done before," Badawi said. They might also target American interests in Jordan. But Iraqi officials say they have other plans for their country, which has only recently regained a semblance of stability after decades of devastating conflicts and turmoil. Iraq is gearing up for its legislative elections in November, which are often marked by heated political wrangling. For armed groups, elections are a crucial battleground as they strive to secure more seats in parliament. "Sometimes, the sword must be kept in the sheath, but this does not mean abandoning our weapons," a commander of an armed faction told AFP. The armed groups will not leave Iran, their "godfather.. in the battle alone." A man lifts a placard as Iraqi protesters, including clerics and tribal leaders, rally in support of Iran against the US and Israel in Iraq's Shiite holy city of Najaf AFP A man holds the Iranian flag as supporters of Iraqi pro-Iran groups demonstrate in Baghdad near the Green Zone AFP Supporters of Iraqi pro-Iran groups hold cutouts of US President Donald Trump with a shoe around the neck during a protest in support of Iran in Baghdad AFP
