Iraq avoided involvement in Israel-Iran war, says Iraqi prime minister | BBC News

Key Concepts:

• Iraqi neutrality in the Israel-Iran conflict
• Violation of Iraqi airspace
• Threats to US assets in Iraq
• Concerns about regional conflict escalation
• Netanyahu's role in regional instability
• Impact of conflict on Iraq's economy and development
• Potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz
• Iraqi air defense system upgrades

I. Iraqi Government's Stance on the Israel-Iran Conflict

• The Iraqi Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani, stated to the BBC that his government will not allow Iraq to be dragged into any conflict between Israel and Iran.
• This statement was made in the context of recent events where Israeli jets used Iraqi airspace to attack targets inside Iran.
• Pro-Iran militias in Iraq had also threatened to attack US assets if Washington intervened directly in the conflict.
• Al-Sudani expressed concerns that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran might not hold.
• He emphasized Iraq's commitment to not being a party to any war and preventing any side from using Iraqi territory to attack others.
• Iraq also aims to protect its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.

II. Tensions and Concerns in Iraq

• During the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, Iraq was under intense scrutiny, with fears that it could become a battleground.
• The US embassy in Baghdad had even announced a partial evacuation of personnel, indicating a high level of concern.
• There was a state of panic that Iran's retaliatory attack in response to US actions against its nuclear sites might occur in Iraq.
• Previously, US military bases in Iraq had been attacked by Iran-backed groups and the IRGC (Iran's Revolutionary Guard).
• The attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a major US military base in the Middle East, brought some relief to Iraq, as it indicated a calculated response with warnings.
• However, concerns remained about potential Israeli or US attacks on Iran-backed groups in Iraq if they targeted Israel or US bases.

III. Prime Minister Al-Sudani's Perspective

• Al-Sudani expressed worry that the use of Iraqi airspace by Israeli jets could drag Iraq into a war it doesn't want to be part of.
• He believes that the Netanyahu government is seeking justifications to expand the conflict.
• Al-Sudani views Netanyahu as a source of worry for the entire region, stating that his "survival strategy is to expand conflicts and prolong wars."
• He cited the failure of the Gaza ceasefire and attacks on Syria as examples of Netanyahu's destabilizing actions.
• "Our position is clear. We are not party to any war. We will not allow any side to use Iraqi territory to attack others. At the same time, we will not allow anyone to violate Iraq's sovereignty or the safety of its citizens."

IV. Potential Impact on Iraq

• A major concern is the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for Iraq's oil exports. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the strait, which would have a massive impact on the Iraqi economy.
• There is a general feeling in Iraq that the recent conflict was just the "first run" and that another escalation is likely.
• The Iraqi government is worried that a new conflict could halt the ongoing reconstruction and development efforts across the country.
• The government is planning to purchase more air defense systems to prevent any country, including Israel and Iran, from using Iraqi airspace for attacks.

V. Reconstruction and Development in Iraq

• The reporter notes significant reconstruction and development in Baghdad, including the building of streets, bridges, and new buildings, which she had not seen in the past 20 years.
• The government is concerned that the conflict will stop these changes and drag the country into another conflict.

VI. Conclusion

The Iraqi government is determined to maintain neutrality in the Israel-Iran conflict and prevent Iraq from becoming a battleground. However, concerns remain about the potential for escalation, the impact on Iraq's economy and development, and the destabilizing role of the Netanyahu government. Iraq is taking steps to protect its airspace and sovereignty, but the overall situation remains precarious.