Iraqi militia Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba is coordinating with Iran for a potential military response against Israel, citing recent Israeli attacks as justifications. Al-Nujaba member Haidar al-Lami claimed Iran has the right to retaliate from Iraqi territory, as tensions escalate following Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei’s threats of a ‘crushing response’ to Israel. The Iraqi government faces pressure from these militias amid concerns of regional instability.
In a recent interview with the Hezbollah-aligned Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, Haidar al-Lami, a member of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba’s political bureau, indicated that his militia is closely coordinating with Iran to prepare a response against Israel. Al-Lami stated, “the Islamic Republic has the right to target the Zionist entity from anywhere within Iraq,” emphasizing ongoing operations against Israeli targets. He asserted that the militia would utilize more advanced weaponry for upcoming attacks as tensions rise in the region. Al-Lami’s remarks follow a declaration from Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who pledged a “crushing response” to Israel’s recent military actions against Iranian infrastructure. Senior officials anticipate that Iran could potentially retaliate from Iraq, indicating the close links between Iranian forces and Iraqi militias capable of striking deep into Israeli territory. The official Iraqi government is reported to be anxious regarding potential escalations, having no formal relations with Israel. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s administration faces pressure from influential militias like Kataib Hezbollah and Nujaba, which have warned against limitations on their operations. The Article indicates that any Iranian retaliation from Iraqi soil poses significant challenges for the Iraqi government, risking escalation while striving to maintain regional stability.
The recent developments stem from escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, particularly following Israeli military actions that have targeted Iranian interests. In this context, Iraqi militias aligned with Tehran are positioning themselves to play a significant role in responding to perceived Israeli aggression. The dynamics of this situation highlight the complex interrelations among regional powers, militant groups, and the geopolitical landscape wherein Iraq finds itself straddling contrasting alliances with both the United States and Iran.
In summary, Iraqi militias, particularly Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, are actively coordinating with Iran to respond to Israeli actions, which they perceive as violations of sovereignty. This cooperation poses a risk of escalating tensions within the region, with Iraq situated at the center of potential military actions involving drone and missile strikes. The Iraqi government’s struggle to manage these militia dynamics while maintaining its own diplomatic relations illustrates the challenges inherent in the complex security landscape of the region.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
