Iraq National Security Advisor reaffirms refusal to allow airspace use for attacks on Iran

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s National Security Advisor, Qasim Al-Araji, on Saturday reiterated Iraq’s firm stance against allowing its airspace to be used for acts of aggression against neighboring Iran. The statement followed a meeting in Baghdad with Iranian Military Attaché Maj. Gen. Majid Qolipour, during which the two officials discussed security cooperation and regional stability.

In the meeting, held at Al-Araji’s office, the officials emphasized strengthening bilateral security measures, particularly in enforcing border control agreements and joint efforts to combat terrorism and smuggling. Al-Araji underscored Iraq’s position, stating, “Iraq strongly rejects the use of its skies to target Iran or any country in the region.”

The reaffirmation comes in the wake of heightened tensions after Israel conducted air strikes on Iranian military sites on Oct. 26, allegedly using airspace in U.S.-patrolled areas of Iraq. The Israeli strikes were reportedly a response to an Iranian missile attack on Oct. 1, following the deaths of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander.

The Israeli air strikes have drawn widespread condemnation, including from Baghdad. Iraq, balancing close ties with Tehran and a strategic partnership with Washington, formally protested the airspace violations in a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the United Nations Security Council, as announced earlier this week.