An Iraqi newspaper reports the US has warned Iraq about possible Israeli strikes on Hamas and Houthi headquarters inside Iraq. Analysts say the warning is meant to push Iraq away from Iran-backed groups.
According to Al-Mada newspaper, US Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris delivered the warning to former Prime Minister and leader of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, following the Doha attack.
This warning was delivered on 12 September during Harris’s meeting with al-Maliki, a senior figure in the ruling Coordination Framework alliance.
The US embassy in Baghdad posted on X about the meeting between Harris and Nouri al-Maliki. They discussed the US-Iraq partnership, economic ties, and the importance of upholding Iraqi sovereignty. The post stressed that these issues are vital to regional security and stability.
The post in itself indirectly affirms the claim by the Iraqi newspaper.
The Iraqi government has remained silent on the report. Meanwhile, some armed groups are reportedly scrambling to relocate or shutter their offices in a bid to dodge potential Israeli attacks.
The newspaper said senior Shia political leaders were warned about a possible Israeli strike on Iraq. The new US chargé d’affaires urged officials not to allow activities by Hamas or Yemen’s Ansar Allah (also known as the Houthis). The British ambassador, Irfan Siddiq, reportedly gave a similar warning to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.
On 9 September, Israel launched an unprecedented strike on Doha, targeting Hamas leaders. Hamas said its top officials survived. Five members and a Qatari security officer were killed.
“With Iraqi elections scheduled for November 11, the government fears any escalation with the Americans or Israelis that could disrupt the process. The vote may result in a government closer to the US than Iran, as Tehran faces increased international pressure and new sanctions, raising concerns of economic collapse,” Ahmed Al-Adhad, an Iraqi political analyst based in Geneva, told The New Arab. “Washington now acts as a guarantor against Israeli strikes, especially after redeploying US forces near the Syrian border and at Harir Air Base in Erbil.”
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“The post-election period will be decisive for Iraq, Gulf states, Iran, and Turkey. The US warning pressures Baghdad to close Hamas and Houthis offices. It also aims to make armed factions loosen ties with Iran,” he added.
Mohammed Naanaa, an Iraqi researcher, confirmed the reports. He told the newspaper that Harris relayed this message to al-Maliki: “Spare your country from Israeli targeting.” Similar warnings reportedly went to Coordination Framework leaders.
Israel regards Iraq as a hostile state, keeping conflict ever-present. Over the last two years, Israel has blocked Iraq from buying advanced air defences from France, China, and South Korea.
In recent months, spokesmen for Iraq’s armed groups have mostly toned down their rhetoric in the media. The government has signed deals with American oil and electricity companies. US firms lead banking reforms. Observers see these steps as a shield against regional threats.
However, local politicians and militia leaders warn that an Israeli strike could happen suddenly.
On Wednesday, the US State Department designated four Iran-aligned Iraqi factions as foreign terrorist organisations. They are Harakat al-Nujaba, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kataib al-Imam Ali.
The State Department said Iran supports these militias. They often attack the US embassy and coalition bases in Iraq using proxies.
The statement said these designations support US policy to pressure Iran and its proxies, aiming to protect national security and restrict terrorist funding.