Israel to Strike Iranian-Linked Forces in Iraq Following US Withdrawal

The United States has reportedly granted Israel permission to conduct operations within Jordanian and Iraqi airspace, according to the Emirati publication "Erem News," citing informed sources. This agreement allows Israel to target pro-Iranian militias operating in Iraq that are attempting to establish military footholds. Previously, the U.S., which maintained air control and military presence in the region, had not approved Israeli flights or strikes, facing opposition from Iraqis and regional partners like Jordan.

According to "Western intelligence reports," the Israel Defense Forces and Mossad have finalized preparations for airstrikes and swift attacks on the headquarters and weapons depots of Iran-allied Iraqi factions. These actions are prompted by U.S. President Donald Trump's recent announcement of troop withdrawal from Iraq. The departure of U.S. forces is seen as potentially opening a direct land route from Tehran to Beirut through Iraq, known as the "Shiite Crescent."

This corridor is allegedly used for transferring military equipment, precision ballistic missiles, and long-range drones to Lebanon via Iraq and Syria, as well as for financial and logistical support to pro-Iranian groups. Israeli intelligence aims to urgently sever these vital supply lines through Iraq to prevent it from becoming a forward base for Iranian weaponry.

Israeli assessments align with reports in Iraqi media, where official disarmament efforts led by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali az-Zaidi have been met with resistance. Despite the Iraqi government extending the deadline for militias to surrender weapons and integrate fighters into official security structures until mid-2027, major groups like Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba have refused to disarm.