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Iraq Condemns US Air Strikes as Unacceptable and Dangerous

Fighters from the Kataib Hezbollah, or Hezbollah Brigades militia, inspect the destruction at their headquarters in the aftermath of a US airstrike in Qaim, Iraq, Monday, Dec. 30, 2019. (AP Photo)
Fighters from the Kataib Hezbollah, or Hezbollah Brigades militia, inspect the destruction at their headquarters in the aftermath of a US airstrike in Qaim, Iraq, Monday, Dec. 30, 2019. (AP Photo)
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Iraq Condemns US Air Strikes as Unacceptable and Dangerous

Fighters from the Kataib Hezbollah, or Hezbollah Brigades militia, inspect the destruction at their headquarters in the aftermath of a US airstrike in Qaim, Iraq, Monday, Dec. 30, 2019. (AP Photo)
Fighters from the Kataib Hezbollah, or Hezbollah Brigades militia, inspect the destruction at their headquarters in the aftermath of a US airstrike in Qaim, Iraq, Monday, Dec. 30, 2019. (AP Photo)

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday condemned US air strikes on Iranian-backed Iraqi militia bases, a move that could plunge Iraq further into the heart of a proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran.

The United States military carried out air strikes on Sunday against the Kataib Hezbollah militia in response to the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base, officials said.

Iraqi sources said at least 25 militia fighters were killed and 55 wounded.

"The prime minister described the American attack on the Iraqi armed forces as an unacceptable vicious assault that will have dangerous consequences," his office said.

Tensions have risen between Tehran and Washington since last year when President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions.

Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iranian-backed forces for attacks on bases in Iraq and said any attacks by Tehran or proxies harming Americans or allies would be "answered with a decisive U.S. response."

US officials said Washington had exhibited patience amid escalating provocations from Iran and its allies, but that it was time to re-establish deterrence against aggression.

"After so many attacks it was important for the president to direct our armed forces to respond in a way that the Iranian regime will understand," US special representative for Iran Brian Hook said in a news briefing.

Iran denies involvement in attacks on US forces and has condemned the raids as "terrorism".

Protests

The strikes come at a time of protests in Iraq with thousands taking to the streets to condemn, among other things, militias such as Kataib Hezbollah and their Iranian backers.

They also demand an overhaul of a political system they see as corrupt and keeping most Iraqis in poverty. About 400 people in Basra protested against the strikes, demonstrating in support of the militias.

The air strikes brought threats of reprisal. A leading militia leader vowed revenge against US forces in Iraq.

"Our response will be very tough on the American forces in Iraq," senior commander Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, also known as Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, said on Sunday.

Mohandes is a senior commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an umbrella grouping of paramilitary organizations mostly consisting of Iranian-backed Shiite militias that was integrated into Iraq's armed forces.

He is also one of Iran's most powerful allies in Iraq and formerly headed Kataib Hezbollah, which he founded.

Iraqi security sources said US forces in northern Iraq were ramping up security.

Iraq's government will announce its official position later on Monday, Abdul Mahdi said.

The PMF bolstered Iraq's security forces during their battle to retake a third of the country from ISIS. They were later formally integrated into Iraq's official security structure.

Regional rivalries

Iraq's Fatih alliance, a political bloc representing the militias which holds the second largest number of seats in parliament, condemned the air strikes.

Their main rival, populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr who leads parliament's largest group, said he was willing to work with them to end US military presence in Iraq. But he also called on them to reign in their militias so as not to provide an excuse for further US attacks.

Iraq's influential top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani condemned the strikes but his office also denounced attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US personnel.

He urged Iraqi authorities to prevent such attacks and "ensure Iraq does not become a field for settling regional and international scores and that others do not interfere in its internal affairs."

Abdul Mahdi said his government's policy was to keep Iraq out of regional alliances and away from war.

Any escalation risks Iraq becoming the battlefield for a proxy war between the United States and Iran, which would also ensnare regional allies of both sides.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he congratulated Pompeo "on the important operation by the United States against Iran and its proxies in the region".

Russia, which like Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah backs Bashar Assad's regime in Syria's war, said the strikes were unacceptable and counterproductive. The Syrian regime also condemned the strikes.

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Arab World

Unified Arab, Islamic Stances ‘Tighten the Noose’ on Israel’s Moves in Somaliland

Somalis demonstrate in support of their country’s territorial unity in Mogadishu on January 7, 2026. (AP)
Somalis demonstrate in support of their country’s territorial unity in Mogadishu on January 7, 2026. (AP)
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Unified Arab, Islamic Stances ‘Tighten the Noose’ on Israel’s Moves in Somaliland

Somalis demonstrate in support of their country’s territorial unity in Mogadishu on January 7, 2026. (AP)
Somalis demonstrate in support of their country’s territorial unity in Mogadishu on January 7, 2026. (AP)

Arab and Islamic positions continued to express a firm rejection of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, reaffirming Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.

This wave of coordinated diplomacy coincides with heightened engagement within international and UN-affiliated bodies, raising questions about the extent to which such positions can effectively constrain Israel’s recent moves, most notably the visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to the self-declared breakaway region.

On Friday, Arab and Islamic states issued strong condemnations of what they described as Saar’s illegal visit to Somaliland earlier in the week, saying it constituted a blatant violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and undermined established international norms and the UN Charter.

The condemnation came in a joint statement by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, the Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye and Yemen, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The ministers reiterated their unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejected any encouragement of separatist agendas, warning that such moves risk exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region.

They stressed that respect for international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and adherence to diplomatic norms are essential pillars of regional and international stability.

The statement came on the eve of an emergency ministerial meeting of the OIC on Saturday at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah, aimed at forging a unified Islamic position in response to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

Analysts told Asharq Al-Awsat that coordinated collective action could “tighten the noose” around Israel’s recent steps in the breakaway region, discouraging other countries from following Israel’s lead and seeking to isolate Israel internationally. Such pressure, they said, could also create space for possible measures by the Somali government or open the door to intra-Somali dialogue.

Since Israel announced its recognition of Somaliland on Dec. 26, Egypt, Türkiye, Djibouti and Somalia have acted collectively, issuing a joint statement condemning the move and rejecting any unilateral measures that undermine Somali sovereignty or promote parallel entities that threaten the unity of the Somali state.

The following day, 21 Arab and Islamic countries, together with the OIC, warned that recognizing the independence of parts of sovereign states sets a dangerous precedent and threatens international peace and security.

Egyptian diplomat Salah Halima said the unified Arab and Islamic positions are active and effective, aligning with stances taken by the Arab League, the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations.

He noted that while the United States has expressed support for Somalia’s unity, its position on Israel’s step remains ambiguous, raising concerns about the possibility of further recognitions.

Former Egyptian assistant foreign minister for African affairs Mona Omar noted that Israel has a record of disregarding international appeals and resolutions, but broad collective opposition deepens its isolation and complicates efforts to advance its plans in Somaliland.

She added that stronger US backing for Somalia’s unity would leave Israel facing genuine isolation in the region, even if it does not ultimately reverse its recognition.

African affairs expert Rami Zahdi stressed that unified positions can have tangible impact if embedded in a comprehensive strategy to counter Israeli moves, protect stability in the Horn of Africa, and prevent the fragmentation of national states.

He described the explicit demand for Israel to withdraw its recognition as a form of measured, escalatory diplomacy that moves beyond symbolic condemnation toward organized political and legal pressure.

Arab World

Israel Scales Back from ‘Major Strike’ on Hezbollah, Opts for ‘Limited Attacks’

The Israeli flag, with part of the Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim visible in the background in the occupied West Bank on August 14, 2025. (Reuters)
The Israeli flag, with part of the Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim visible in the background in the occupied West Bank on August 14, 2025. (Reuters)
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Israel Scales Back from ‘Major Strike’ on Hezbollah, Opts for ‘Limited Attacks’

The Israeli flag, with part of the Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim visible in the background in the occupied West Bank on August 14, 2025. (Reuters)
The Israeli flag, with part of the Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim visible in the background in the occupied West Bank on August 14, 2025. (Reuters)

Informed sources in Tel Aviv said the Israeli strike on Lebanon on Friday was the response chosen by the military following remarks by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who praised what he described as the Lebanese army’s “insufficient” efforts to disarm Hezbollah.

The strikes also followed a statement by the Lebanese government announcing the completion of the first phase of that mission.

Military sources, quoted across Israeli media, said Hezbollah “remains present in southern Lebanon and is seeking to restore its strength, reinforce its positions, resupply its forces with weapons, and maintain its tunnel network.”

These claims were used to justify a series of Israeli air strikes targeting southern and eastern Lebanon on Friday.

Despite Israel’s official skepticism toward the Lebanese army’s declaration that it had achieved the “objectives of the first phase” of disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River — an announcement the Israeli military dismissed as “inaccurate and not reflective of the security reality on the ground” — Israeli thinking about launching a large-scale military response has cooled.

Political and military sources said Israel has “begun to retreat, for now, from the idea of a major strike and decided to settle for intense but limited attacks.”

Those same sources had previously said Netanyahu agreed with US President Donald Trump during a meeting in Florida last week to carry out a major strike against Hezbollah, in exchange for Netanyahu’s acceptance of most US demands regarding Gaza and Syria.

The rationale for striking Hezbollah is said to be ready and enjoys near consensus in Israel, with opinion polls showing 57 percent of the public in favor of an immediate attack.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu’s office issued an official statement asserting that the US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon “clearly stipulates the complete disarmament of Hezbollah,” describing this as “essential for Israel’s security and Lebanon’s future.”

According to Israel’s Haaretz newspaper, army sources say Hezbollah’s presence in the area “has not ended” and that the military “continues to monitor the group’s activities even now.”

While Israel views positively the Lebanese army’s acknowledgment that “tasks remain unfinished,” it doubts the army’s “ability to carry them out in practice.”

An Israeli military source said Tel Aviv’s assessment of the disarmament file “is not based on statements, but on operational data and results,” stressing that “as long as Hezbollah’s military infrastructure south of the Litani remains, there can be no talk of real disarmament.”

According to military sources cited by the Walla news site, Hezbollah has smuggled large quantities of weapons and bags containing millions of dollars across the Turkish border to rebuild its power and bolster its popular support.

While this underscores, in Israeli eyes, the inevitability of a major strike, the tone has shifted in recent hours.

Sources say Netanyahu fears such an operation now could divert attention from dramatic developments in Iran, where Israel, keenly interested in the regime’s collapse, does not want to distract from ongoing protests.

Arab World

Mladenov Shuttle Talks between Israel and Ramallah Hasten Gaza Administration Committee

A general view shows the destruction in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza (AFP)
A general view shows the destruction in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza (AFP)
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Mladenov Shuttle Talks between Israel and Ramallah Hasten Gaza Administration Committee

A general view shows the destruction in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza (AFP)
A general view shows the destruction in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza (AFP)

Nickolay Mladenov, the man chosen to serve as the director-general for US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace in Gaza, discussed arrangements for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement with Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh.

The meeting, which took place a day after Mladenov met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was viewed by experts speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat as increasing the chances of launching the second phase and announcing the formation of a body to administer Gaza.

Netanyahu had announced the selection of Bulgarian diplomat Mladenov, the former United Nations Middle East envoy from early 2015 until the end of 2020, to serve as director general of the Board of Peace, chaired by US President Donald Trump and tasked with overseeing the peace process in Gaza.

Al-Sheikh received Mladenov and his accompanying delegation on Friday at his office in the West Bank city of Ramallah, in the presence of Maj. Gen. Majed Faraj, head of the General Intelligence Service, according to the Palestinian News Agency, which did not describe Mladenov by his new American-appointed title.

The meeting discussed “the role of the Palestinian administrative committee and Palestinian police and security forces in assuming their duties and linking them to the Palestinian Authority, the holder of sovereignty and legitimacy, as well as ways to implement the second phase of President Trump’s plan as the announcement of the Board of Peace approaches.”

Al-Sheikh stressed the need to begin implementing the second phase, underlining the importance of a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip as part of that phase, which includes ending Hamas rule, handing over its weapons, and moving toward reconstruction under President Trump’s plan.

He also stressed that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the State of Palestine, highlighting the importance of political, administrative, and legal linkage between Palestinian institutions in Gaza and the Palestinian National Authority in the West Bank, and respect for the principle of one authority, one law, and one legitimate weapon.

Al-Sheikh said that while a transitional plan is being implemented in Gaza, there must be an urgent plan to halt all unilateral actions that violate international law, foremost among them settlement expansion, settler violence, and the release of withheld Palestinian funds.

On Thursday evening, the Israeli prime minister’s office said in a statement that Netanyahu insisted on the need to disarm Hamas and demilitarize Gaza, describing both as conditions under the Trump administration’s 20-point ceasefire plan.

Tarek Fahmy, a professor of political science specializing in Palestinian and Israeli affairs, said Mladenov is a professional diplomat with a good reputation and will be the board’s appointed director, despite being ranked second after former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who did not enjoy widespread Arab acceptance.

Fahmy said Mladenov is “preparing the ground and accelerating steps toward announcing a technocratic committee under Palestinian leadership.”

Palestinian political analyst Abdul Mahdi Moutawe said Mladenov is not new to Gaza, noting his previous role at the UN in the Middle East.

He said Mladenov met Netanyahu and al-Sheikh to gauge positions and narrow differences in order to reach understandings leading to partial Palestinian administration of Gaza, which would expand as progress is made in the second phase, and depending on the ability to resolve obstacles, particularly those related to disarming Hamas and the enclave.

Under Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, the territory would be governed by a temporary Palestinian transitional committee composed of nonpartisan technocrats, under the supervision and oversight of the Board of Peace.

The US website Axios cited American officials and informed sources as saying Trump is expected to announce the Board of Peace this week as part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on Oct. 10.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, in a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday evening, stressed the importance of an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the announcement of a temporary Palestinian technocratic committee to administer the enclave, and the formation of an international stabilization force.

Fahmy expects the Board of Peace to be announced in the coming days, alongside pressure to announce the committee and avoid objections to proposed names, in order to begin implementing the second phase in earnest and away from any Israeli maneuvering or obstruction.

Moutawe believes the board and the administrative committee will be announced this week, allowing them to move forward with the second phase and begin its actual implementation.