Iraq condemns Israeli airspace violations, warns US against complicity
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While refraining from immediate retaliatory action, Iraq made clear that it "reserves the right, based on international law and UN charters, to take appropriate measures to defend its national sovereignty."
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A silhouette view of soldiers of the Iraqi army riding a military vehicle in Mosul, Iraq. (Sipa via AP)
The Iraqi government issued a strong condemnation on Saturday over repeated violations of its airspace linked to Israeli military operations, insisting that Iraq's territory must not be used, directly or indirectly, for aggression against Iran or any neighboring country.
In a formal statement, Baghdad affirmed that this stance "stems from Iraq's constitutional commitment to a policy of good neighborliness" and affirmed its determination "not to allow its land, airspace, or waterways to be used as a launchpad for attacks" on friendly states.
The statement comes amid intensifying regional tensions following a wave of Israeli strikes on Iranian cities that killed dozens of civilians, including children, as well as top IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran responded with Operation True Promise 3, launching hundreds of missiles and drones that inflicted heavy damage on Israeli military infrastructure and caused what officials in Tel Aviv described as "unprecedented destruction."
Sovereignty Violated
Baghdad described the Israeli overflights as a "blatant infringement of Iraqi sovereignty, a threat to regional stability, and a breach of the principles of international law." Iraqi officials further confirmed that these violations are being actively raised with international partners through diplomatic channels.
Crucially, the Iraqi government addressed the United States directly, urging it to uphold its responsibilities under existing security agreements. Washington, which has admitted to full knowledge of the Israeli operation, as confirmed by President Donald Trump, was asked to "prevent Israeli occupation aircraft from violating Iraqi airspace or carrying out aggressive operations from its territory."
This follows mounting accusations of Western complicity in the Israeli assault, with Iran's Foreign Ministry declaring nuclear talks with the US "pointless" in the current climate. Oman, which had been hosting backchannel negotiations, confirmed Saturday that the next round of nuclear talks was officially canceled, citing Israeli aggression and US support for the operation as core reasons.
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While refraining from immediate retaliatory action, Iraq made clear that it "reserves the right, based on international law and UN charters, to take appropriate measures to defend its national sovereignty."
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, who also serves as commander-in-chief of Iraq's armed forces, has reportedly instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Iraq's mission to the United Nations to take "practical steps to confront these violations and work toward bringing them to a definitive end."
