Iraq’s Current Position in the Iran-Israel Conflict

 Iraq’s Current Position in the Iran-Israel Conflict

As of now, Iraq is trying to maintain a neutral and balanced position in the conflict between Iran and Israel. However, the situation is complex due to several factors:

1. Political Neutrality (Officially):
   The Iraqi government has not taken an official side in the Iran-Israel conflict. It publicly calls for de-escalation, regional peace, and avoidance of further military action.

2. Influence of Iranian-Backed Militias:
   Several powerful militias operating in Iraq, such as Kataib Hezbollah and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), are aligned with Iran and strongly oppose Israel and the United States. These groups have launched attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, which complicates Iraq’s internal security and neutrality.

3. Internal Divisions :
   Iraq’s population and political class are divided. Some factions support Iran due to religious and political ties, while others seek closer relations with the West and prefer staying out of regional conflicts.

4. Strategic Balancing:
   Iraq is under pressure to balance its relationships with both Iran (its powerful neighbor and economic partner) and the U.S. (a major military and economic supporter). This makes Iraq cautious in its public stance.

5. Fear of Escalation:
   Iraq does not want to be dragged into a broader regional war. Iraqi leaders are concerned that their territory could be used by militias or foreign powers in ways that could provoke retaliation from Israel or the U.S.

Conclusion:
Iraq’s official position is one of non-alignment and diplomacy, but its territory is being used by Iran-aligned groups, which could unintentionally involve Iraq in the conflict. The government is walking a fine line, trying to avoid becoming a battleground or proxy in the Iran-Israel tensions.