Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq warns of Israeli threats

BAGHDAD — The Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq issued a stern warning on Monday, stating that Israeli threats to strike Iraq could endanger the withdrawal of coalition forces and destabilize the entire region. The council emphasized the potential for a strong response “to any aggression”.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar recently urged the United Nations Security Council to act against alleged attacks on Israel by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense. In response, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry sent letters to the UN, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, condemning Israel’s threats, asserting Iraq’s sovereignty, and calling for support to prevent regional escalation.

Dr. Ali Al-Dafa’i, spokesperson for the council, said in a statement, “The recent Israeli threat to target Iraq jeopardizes the planned withdrawal of coalition forces and poses a grave risk to the region’s stability. Any attack on Iraq will place all neighboring countries in danger, and there will be no safe withdrawal for coalition forces.”

In September, the United States and Iraq agreed to conclude the U. S.-led coalition’s military mission in Iraq by September 2025, transitioning to bilateral security partnerships. This agreement outlines a phased withdrawal of U. S. forces, with most troops departing by the end of 2026. The plan includes vacating bases such as Ain al-Asad and reducing presence in Baghdad, while maintaining a residual force in Erbil to support operations against ISIS remnants in Syria.

He added, “Iraq will not remain silent in the face of aggression. Any attack will provoke a strong response, and Israeli interests, along with those of its allies, will not be immune to retaliation from resistance factions. The government and parliament must urgently procure an air defense system, even through oil barter agreements, to counter potential threats.”

Al-Dafa’i also pointed to Iraq’s security partnership with the United States, stating, “The U. S. controls Iraqi airspace under a strategic security agreement. Any aggression would make the United States complicit and liable. The planned withdrawal of coalition forces by the end of 2025 must be executed in a safe and orderly manner.”

The statement also highlighted Israel’s recent economic and political struggles, particularly in the wake of its military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. “The Israeli entity has suffered losses exceeding $120 billion this year due to military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, the collapse of tourism, the closure of factories and companies, and the halt of operations at Eilat Port,” Al-Dafa’i said. “These events reflect the internal deterioration of this entity, compounded by its global isolation and the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against its leaders.”