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Military groups ‌in Iraq, including the al-Nujaba movement, have announced their readiness to cooperate with Iran to carry out attacks on Israel. They ⁣claim that​ “Iran has the right to attack Israel from Iraqi territory” because Israel allegedly used⁤ Iraqi airspace during its attacks ​on Iran.

Haider al-Lami, a senior Nujaba official, said in an interview that Israel’s attack on Iran was a violation⁣ of Iraqi​ airspace and international norms. He also noted that the ⁤United States, which provided assistance⁣ to ​Israel, also⁤ violated strategic agreements with Iraq.

“The Iraqi Islamic Resistance is part of the resistance axis led by the ⁢Islamic Republic, so we are in ⁤full coordination with Iran⁢ to organize a‌ response and agree on ⁤an appropriate time and place,” the statement said.

He emphasized​ that the organization continues its operations against ​“key targets in the Zionist entity,” using modern unmanned aerial ⁣vehicles with high capabilities.

A ‌senior ‌representative⁢ of ‍the Iraqi political coalition Coordination Structure noted ⁢that “the country’s government could face a serious problem if ​Iran ⁤decides to operate from Iraqi territory.” This, he said, would have significant consequences in terms of expanding the conflict and could provide Israel with a basis for attacks on targets in Iraq.

The official expressed ⁤concern about a possible reaction from militias who‌ could take the initiative to respond⁢ to Israel or ‌carry out larger-scale attacks, even if Iran does not give such instructions.

“This will lead‍ to a real ⁣large-scale war in which confrontation⁤ will be open,” the official said.

Earlier,⁣ Cursor ⁤wrote that White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre⁤ noted that⁤ Iran should not react to Israel’s actions.⁢ At the same time, if Iran decides to do this, the ⁢United States is ready to support Israel.

Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Sarah Khalil, Middle⁢ East Security Expert

Editor: Welcome, Dr. Khalil. Thank you for joining us ‌today.⁣ There have ​been significant developments regarding military groups in Iraq, particularly​ the al-Nujaba movement, which is ⁣signaling its ‍intention to collaborate‍ with Iran for potential operations against Israel. What’s your take on this situation?

Dr. Khalil: Thank you‌ for having me. The announcement by al-Nujaba is indeed‍ alarming. ⁤It reflects a larger narrative of Iran’s influence in the region and the complex web of alliances‍ and hostilities. By asserting their readiness to strike at Israel, these groups are not just acting independently but are echoing Tehran’s regional strategies.

Editor: You mentioned Tehran’s influence. Al-Nujaba claims that “Iran has⁢ the right ⁣to attack Israel ⁢from Iraqi territory” due to Israel’s reported use of Iraqi‍ airspace during its​ operations. Are there any legal grounds for such a claim?

Dr. Khalil: This is a contentious issue. The argument hinges on international norms regarding sovereignty and airspace⁤ violations. If Israel did‍ use Iraqi airspace for monitoring or military operations, it could be perceived as a breach of ​Iraqi sovereignty. However, that doesn’t legally justify retaliatory attacks, especially from Iraq. ⁤The situation becomes even murkier considering Iraq’s own internal struggles with governing these‌ militia groups.

Editor: Haider ‌al-Lami, a senior Nujaba official, has vocalized strong⁢ sentiments about Iraq being an operational base ‌for these attacks. How does this fit into the broader context of Iraqi politics and its relationship ⁣with Iran?

Dr. Khalil: That’s a critical point. Iraq is caught between various pressures⁤ – it has​ factions that are ⁣pro-Iran and others that emphasize‍ Iraqi nationalism and ‌sovereignty. Al-Nujaba’s alignment with Iran ⁣showcases the challenges the Iraqi government faces in exerting its authority. This could escalate tensions within Iraq and raise fears of further Iranian encroachment.

Editor: The United Nations and international bodies often stress the importance of adhering to international law. Considering the recent statements from al-Nujaba, what role should these organizations play in mitigating the potential for conflict in this region?

Dr. Khalil: The UN and other international ⁤organizations do have mechanisms ⁢in place to address such violations. Monitoring airspace, diplomatic engagement, and potentially⁤ sanctions could be paths they ‌explore. More importantly, they should engage in ⁤dialogue with both Iraq and Iran to de-escalate tensions before they‌ spiral into conflict. However, their effectiveness largely depends on the political will of ⁤the member states involved.

Editor: The situation⁣ seems⁢ increasingly volatile. Going forward, what do you believe are the potential outcomes if these ‍tensions continue ‍to rise?

Dr. Khalil: If the current trend continues without intervention or dialogue, we might see increased ⁢military actions, not just from al-Nujaba but potentially from other militias as well. This ‍could destabilize Iraq even further, leading to civilian casualties and a humanitarian ⁤crisis. Regional powers may also get more involved, complicating ‌the situation. The ripple effects could even affect US interests in the region, challenging America’s longstanding role as a stabilizing force.

Editor: Thank you, Dr. Khalil. It’s clear​ that this situation demands close monitoring and a​ nuanced understanding of the geopolitical landscape. We appreciate⁤ your insights on‍ these complex issues.

Dr. Khalil: Thank you ⁣for having me. It’s crucial​ we continue to discuss and analyze these developments ‍as they⁤ unfold.