Baghdad Urges Tehran Not to Target U.S. Interests on Iraqi Soil Amid Regional Escalation

U.S. Embassy Baghdad's Media

U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

Iraq has appealed to Iran not to target American interests on its territory, a senior Iraqi security official said on Saturday, 14 June 2025, as tensions escalate in the region following mutual strikes between Israel and Iran.

Baghdad, which maintains strong ties with both Tehran and Washington, finds itself in a delicate position. While it is a close ally of Iran, Iraq is also a strategic partner of the United States, which maintains approximately 2,500 troops in the country as part of an international coalition against extremist groups.

Fearing the fallout from a wider regional conflict, the Iraqi government formally requested that Tehran refrain from carrying out attacks on U.S. assets within Iraqi borders.

“The request was made. They promised us positive things,” the security official told AFP on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the matter.

The official added that Iranian authorities had expressed an understanding of Baghdad’s concerns.

The latest escalation began early Friday when Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. In response, Tehran has issued warnings that it may target U.S. military bases in the region should conflict intensify—particularly in the event of a breakdown in nuclear negotiations with Washington.

During the ongoing Gaza war—triggered by the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023—Iran-aligned armed groups have conducted dozens of rocket and drone attacks against U.S. forces stationed in both Iraq and neighbouring Syria.

Ahead of the recent wave of hostilities, the United States announced on Wednesday a reduction in staffing at its embassy in Baghdad, citing growing security concerns.



PUKMEDIA