Due to US threat, Iraq requests from Iran not to strike American bases on it's territory
The Iraqi government has requested Iran not to target American assets on Iraqi soil, according to a report aired Saturday evening on Kan News. The request came against the backdrop of Tehran’s threats to expand its response to the Israeli attack to include strikes on U.S. bases in the region.
A political source in Iraq told Kan News that the request followed a message conveyed by the Americans to the Baghdad government, warning that the United States "will not stand by idly" if its bases in Iraq are attacked.
Earlier in the day, it was reported that the Iraqi government is working to prevent militias operating within its borders from joining Iran's retaliation. However, the militias have not yet provided any commitment to that effect. In recent months, the pro-Iranian militias in Iraq have ceased their earlier attacks on Israel and the United States which they carried out as part of the support front for Gaza.
Kan News also reported that in the Gulf states and other Arab countries, there are those who are pleased with the blows Israel has dealt to Iran. A Saudi citizen living in Riyadh told Kan News: "I hope these blessed strikes will mark the end of the criminal regime in Tehran."
However, Arab and Gulf states have condemned the Israeli attack and are making efforts to de-escalate the situation. Senior officials from the Gulf contacted Iran’s foreign minister in an attempt to ease tensions, and regional leaders also spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Gulf states are particularly concerned that Iran’s retaliation – especially by its proxies – could be directed at them as well.
Roi Kais is an Arab Affairs correspondent for Kan 11.
