Iraq’s public support for Iran in its escalating missile standoff with Israel has triggered concern that the country could be drawn into a wider conflict involving both Washington and Tel Aviv, as threats from powerful armed factions intensify.
Major Shi’ite parties within the pro-Iran Coordination Framework – including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani – ramped up their backing for Tehran by urging nationwide demonstrations in solidarity with Iran, the Iran-aligned Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia warned it may target US interests in Iraq if Washington joins Israel militarily.
Framework Condemns Israeli Strikes
The Coordination Framework held a late-night emergency meeting on Sunday, attended by Sudani, to discuss the unfolding political and security developments.
In a statement seen by Asharq Al-Awsat, the bloc denounced what it called Israel’s "repeated acts of aggression," including recent strikes on Iranian territory that killed a number of commanders and scientists.
“The Framework strongly condemns the Zionist entity’s repeated hostile behavior, particularly the latest attacks on Iran,” the statement read. It called on the international community, especially regional states, to take a stand against Israel’s “arrogance” and push for an end to its aggression.
The bloc also urged Iraqis to take to the streets in protest and to show support for Iran’s resilience. It reiterated its rejection of Iraqi airspace being used for attacks on neighboring countries but added that Iraq should continue “playing a role in finding a solution and containing the fallout of the crisis triggered by Israel’s ongoing strikes”.
Parliament Denies Israeli Attacks Launched from Iraq
In a separate development, Iraq’s parliamentary Security and Defense Committee rejected Iranian claims that recent Israeli attacks on Iran were launched from Iraqi territory.
“There is no evidence that Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran originated from Iraqi soil,” said committee member Yasser Watout. “We’ve spoken to military leadership, air force officials and aerial surveillance units – all confirm no such activity occurred”.
The denial follows remarks by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who alleged that some of the recent attacks were launched from inside Iraq. He urged Baghdad to prevent its territory from being used against neighboring states.
Watout said Iraq “did not, and will not, allow its territory to be used for attacking any of its neighbors,” calling the Iranian allegations baseless.
Militias Warn of Retaliation
The warning from Asaib Ahl al-Haq came a day after Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah said it would consider entering the fight against Israel if the United States militarily backs Tel Aviv.
In a statement on Monday, Asaib spokesman Jawad al-Talibawi said, “We warn the US administration of the consequences of participating alongside its Israeli ally in attacking the Iran”.
He pledged renewed allegiance to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, vowing to “offer our lives in defense of Islam and its people”.
Kataib Hezbollah, led by Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, also threatened to strike US bases across the region if Washington joins the war. In a statement on Sunday night, Hamidawi said Iran does not require military assistance to confront Israel, asserting it has the “men and means” to defeat Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“We are closely monitoring the movements of the American enemy’s forces,” he said. “Should the US intervene, we will directly target its interests and military bases in the region, without hesitation”.
He called on the Iraqi government, the Coordination Framework, and what he described as “loyal defenders” to take a firm position to prevent the conflict from spiraling further. Hamidawi also demanded the closure of the US embassy in Baghdad and the expulsion of American forces from Iraq.
US Embassy Issues Security Alert
Meanwhile, the US embassy in Baghdad issued a security warning to American citizens, citing a heightened risk of violence or attacks against US interests in Iraq. The alert advised citizens to avoid areas frequented by foreigners and to steer clear of large gatherings.
The threat of Iraq being pulled into a broader confrontation underscores the region’s volatility as tensions soar between Iran and Israel – and as armed factions within Iraq flex their influence in a bid to shift the country's strategic posture.
