US Reportedly Gives Israel Green Light for Iraq Strikes

The United States has reportedly granted Israel approval to operate against pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, removing operational restrictions on the Israeli Air Force over Iraqi airspace. This information was published by the Emirati news site "Aram News," citing Western sources. According to these sources, Washington and Jerusalem reached an understanding wherein the U.S. administration was briefed on Israeli plans to thwart attempts by pro-Iranian militias to establish themselves in the region. The reported American authorization permits Israel to strike these militias within Iraq.

Concurrently, Washington has pledged to bolster its defense systems in the Middle East. This is in preparation for potential escalation by the militias in response to Israeli attacks, which could target American forces and interests in the region. The report emerges shortly after the final withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq at the end of September. Approximately 2,500 American soldiers had been stationed in Iraq, primarily for advising and training Iraqi forces.

In parallel with the U.S. troop withdrawal, the Iraqi government postponed the deadline for dismantling militias in the country from September 30 to June 30. The Iranian axis has framed the U.S. departure as a victory, while Iraq experts have warned that the militias might exploit the new situation to increase their influence within Iraq.