By Dr Lubna Farah
According to Iraqi security sources, the United States informed the Iraqi government only hours before launching coordinated airstrikes with Saudi Arabia against positions used by Iran-aligned armed groups inside Iraq.
The notification was reportedly delivered through established military and security communication channels and included general information about the intended targets, while requesting that Iraqi government forces remain clear of the strike areas.
The reported operation followed allegations by Saudi Arabia that Iran-backed Iraqi factions were responsible for drone attacks targeting Saudi oil infrastructure. Iraqi authorities had announced an official investigation and reaffirmed that Iraqi territory would not be allowed to serve as a launch pad for attacks against neighbouring states.
However, the US–Saudi strikes reportedly took place before the investigation concluded, signalling a willingness by Washington and Riyadh to act militarily rather than await Iraqi judicial or security procedures.
– The United States notified Baghdad several hours before the strikes.
– The notification identified the general target areas.
– Iraq was requested to ensure that no official Iraqi military units were present near the designated targets.
– Baghdad attempted intensive diplomatic contacts before the operation, but Washington stated that the decision had already been approved at the highest political and military levels.
United States Position
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM):
– The operation targeted groups affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
– Those groups were described as responsible for, or directly supporting, recent attacks against US personnel and Saudi energy facilities.
– The strikes were presented as a defensive response intended to deter further attacks.
Iraqi Government Position
– Iraq announced an official investigation into the alleged drone attacks.
– Baghdad reiterated that Iraqi territory would not be used for attacks against neighbouring countries.
– The timing of the operation placed the Iraqi government in a politically difficult position, as military action occurred before the investigation was completed.
PMF Statement
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) confirmed that several of its members were killed and wounded during the strikes.
Iranian Media
Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that four members of the IRGC were killed in the attacks, stating that the deceased originated from Kashan.
1. Shift in Rules of Engagement
If confirmed, the operation represents a significant evolution in US regional strategy.
Rather than relying solely on deterrence or diplomatic pressure, Washington appears prepared to conduct immediate retaliatory operations against Iranian-aligned forces operating inside Iraq.
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2. Saudi Arabia’s Direct Military Role
Reports suggesting Saudi participation are strategically significant.
If officially confirmed, this would represent the first known direct Saudi military involvement in air operations against Iran-backed armed factions inside Iraq, signalling a deeper level of military coordination with the United States.
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3. Iraqi Sovereignty
The operation raises important questions regarding Iraq’s sovereignty.
Although Baghdad reportedly received prior notification, the Iraqi government was apparently not asked for operational approval.
This distinction reinforces Iraq’s difficult position between its security partnerships with the United States and the influence of Iran-backed armed groups operating within its borders.
4. Message to Iran
The strikes appear intended to communicate several strategic messages:
– Attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure will trigger immediate military consequences.
– US forces deployed across the region will be defended through direct action.
– Iranian-backed proxy organisations may face coordinated multinational responses rather than isolated US operations.
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5. Regional Implications
Potential consequences include:
– Increased military coordination between Washington and Riyadh.
– Higher risk of retaliatory attacks by Iran-backed militias.
– Increased threats to US military bases across Iraq and Syria.
– Greater pressure on the Iraqi government to control armed factions.
– Possible escalation across the wider Middle East.
Military Assessment
The reported strikes demonstrate:
– Rapid intelligence sharing.
– Joint operational planning.
– Coordinated targeting.
– Pre-strike deconfliction with Iraqi government forces.
– A shift towards faster military responses against proxy organisations.
Media Assessment
The reported operation carries both military and political significance.
From a military perspective, it reflects an increasingly proactive coalition posture.
Politically, it places Baghdad under significant domestic and regional pressure while further intensifying tensions between the United States, Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Key Takeaways
– Iraq reportedly received advance notification before the operation.
– The strikes targeted Iran-linked armed groups inside Iraq.
– PMF acknowledged casualties.
– CENTCOM described the operation as retaliation for attacks against US forces and Saudi oil facilities.
– Iraqi investigations had not concluded before the operation commenced.
– Iranian media reported the deaths of four IRGC personnel.
– If Saudi participation is officially confirmed, it would mark a major shift in regional military cooperation.
If independently verified, these developments could represent one of the most significant changes in the regional security environment in recent years. They suggest an evolution from strategic deterrence towards coordinated multinational military action against Iran-backed armed groups.
Nevertheless, several central claims—including Saudi Arabia’s direct operational role and the reported advance notification to Baghdad—remain subject to independent verification and should therefore be treated with appropriate caution until confirmed by multiple authoritative sources.
