ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Iraqi foreign minister emphasized to the charge d'affaires of the US embassy during their meeting in Baghdad on Tuesday that Iraq rejects the use of its airspace in the ongoing conflict between its adversary, Israel, and its ally, Iran. The statement comes amid growing speculation that Washington may ultimately intervene in support of Israel.
The meeting between Iraqi’s chief diplomat Fuad Hussein and ambassador Steve Fagin “focused on the military escalation in the region and its potential repercussions on the security and stability of the Middle East and international security, in addition to its negative impact on the global economy,” according to a statement from Hussein’s office.
“Minister Hussein reiterated Iraq’s firm position in rejecting the use of its airspace,” it added.
Tensions between Iran and Israel reached a boiling point on Friday after the latter carried out an extensive operation in western Iran, killing several top commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran has carried out 11 waves of missile and drone attacks since. The devastating attacks have killed at least 24 civilians in Israel and 224 Iranians, according to latest official figures. Nearly 600 Israelis and 1,300 Iranians have been injured.
Numerous suicide drones, reportedly launched from Iran toward Israel, have been intercepted over the Kurdistan Region. Missile debris has also been found in the area, and residents across Iraq have reported sightings of missiles in the sky in recent days. However, local authorities have so far refrained from publicly commenting on the interception of drones or missiles.
Both warring sides have reduced their military activities in the last two days as US President Donald Trump has been considering an intervention. Iran and Israel warned the residents of parts of each other's capitals in the early hours of Wednesday to evacuate as attacks renewed.
Trump on Tuesday cut his trip short to the G7 summit in Canada due to tensions in the Middle East, telling reporters “I have to be back.” The announcement came after he called on Iranians to evacuate Tehran, describing its failure to strike a deal as “a shame, and waste of human life.”
He also ordered a meeting with his national security team in the Situation Room before leaving Canada. The meeting took place late Tuesday and lasted for 80 minutes. There was no immediate public statement.
However, after returning to Washington, he made inflammatory statements against Iran and its supreme leader, calling for Tehran’s “unconditional surrender.”
He also claimed that they have gained full control of the skies of Iran despite his cabinet’s claims that Washington is not involved in the latest escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel. He also said that Iran’s Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is an “easy target” but they have no plans to assassinate him “for now.”
Wealthy democracies at the G7 summit called for a ceasefire in a joint statement after Trump left the event. There have been regional and international efforts, especially by Iran’s allies, to bring the conflict to an end.
