Iraq-Iran relations deteriorate after Iran's missile attack

Iraq-Iran relations deteriorate after Iran's missile attack

Baghdad is bringing back its ambassador from Iraq

Late Monday night, Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed they had carried out an attack on Israeli covert operatives in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region. The attack escalated the conflict between Hamas and Israel that began on October 7, intensifying global concerns. International alliances, particularly the United States, remain cautious amid heightened tensions. Iranian forces insist the attack was aimed at retaliating for alleged crimes committed by Israeli secret agents. Iran's elite Quds Force also claimed to have carried out similar operations in anti-ISIS positions in Syria. Following the attacks, concerns are growing about the possibility of a wider regional conflict, particularly given the involvement of Iranian-backed militias in Iraq's security forces. US and international coalition forces are on high alert, condemning the attack and expressing deep dismay. After the attack, France accused Iran of violating Iraq's sovereignty. The United States condemned the attack but stopped short of clearly blaming Iran. American officials assured that no US installations were targeted, stressing their commitment to avoid direct military involvement.

Demonstration in front of the UN headquarters to protest the Iranian attack. Photo: Reuters

The attack took place in a residential area near the US consulate building in Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan. Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani condemned the attack and described it as a crime against the Kurdish people. Four civilians were killed and six others injured in the attack.

The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland expressed concern over the escalating situation, calling for diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Nasir Khanjani, defended the attack by emphasizing Iran's right to self-defense against perceived threats to national security.

The attack in Kurdistan comes amid rising tensions in the region, with Iran-backed militias accused of launching multiple rocket attacks on US military bases in Syria and Iraq. The Iranian-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for several attacks in the past.

As the situation unfolds, the international community is on edge, closely monitoring developments and calling for restraint to prevent further escalation in an already volatile Middle East.