Iraq protests Israeli airstrike in UN complaint over alleged airspace violation

In a diplomatic escalation, Iraq has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations, alleging that Israeli forces used Iraqi airspace in a recent airstrike on Iran. The Iraqi government has condemned what it calls a “blatant violation” of its sovereignty and has appealed to the international community for intervention. The complaint, submitted to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the UN Security Council, signals Iraq’s deepening concerns over escalating regional tensions and its implications for Iraqi sovereignty. Iraqi spokesperson Bassim Alawadi described the incident as part of a dangerous trend of regional powers overstepping territorial boundaries to settle scores, pressing the UN for immediate action to prevent further breaches.

This complaint comes amid heightened conflict in the Middle East, with Israel engaging Iranian-aligned forces and increasing its operations against military targets in the region. In response to Israel’s reported strike on October 26, which targeted what Israel claims were military installations in Iran, Iraq emphasized the attack’s potential to destabilise an already fragile balance of power in the Middle East.

Growing Tensions Amid Middle Eastern Conflicts

Israel’s reported use of Iraqi airspace to conduct strikes in Iran follows a series of intensified clashes between Israel and Iran-aligned forces across the region, including in Lebanon and Syria. Israel has ramped up its military responses in recent weeks as Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces have escalated their own attacks in response to actions against Iranian affiliates, including Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. Iraq’s ties with both Iran and the United States, which maintains a military presence in Iraq, place it in a challenging diplomatic position. While Iraq cooperates closely with Tehran, it also holds strategic ties with Washington, whose forces are based in Iraq as part of the anti-ISIS coalition.

The Iraqi government has consistently attempted to maintain a neutral stance, advocating peace to prevent spillover from neighbouring conflicts. However, pro-Iran groups within Iraq, such as Kataeb Hezbollah, have condemned Israel’s actions, with accusations that the U.S. was either complicit or tacitly supportive of Israel’s operations in Iraq. This faction also warned that Iraq should brace for further consequences if Israeli airstrikes continue through Iraqi airspace.

Calls for UN Action and International Support

Iraq’s complaint is only one example of the ripple effects from ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts, with various nations pushing for UN intervention to manage the escalating situation. Iraq urged the UN to take decisive measures to respect and uphold international law by safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Algerian and Slovenian representatives at the UN voiced support for Iraq, warning that failure to address such violations could lead to a catastrophic escalation in the region. Algerian officials argued that the growing trend of military breaches and retaliatory strikes underscores a troubling disregard for global stability and that the UN must respond firmly to preserve peace.

Regional Power Dynamics and the US Position

The U.S. has reiterated its stance that it was not directly involved in Israel’s reported strike within Iraq’s airspace but has continued to pressure Iran and its affiliates to refrain from escalating their attacks. The United States has reportedly increased military support for Israel in light of recent escalations, emphasising the need to contain Iran-backed groups, which Washington views as destabilising forces across multiple regional fronts, including in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon.

Despite Iraq’s appeal to the UN, regional analysts have expressed concerns that this latest incident signals a growing shift in Iraq’s security environment. The perceived encroachment of Israel, combined with Iran’s influence and the U.S.’s strategic interests, positions Iraq precariously in a series of conflicts that may strain its diplomatic neutrality.

Iraq’s complaint against Israel at the UN highlights the complex power dynamics and rising tensions in the Middle East, which threaten to entangle multiple nations in a broader conflict. The Iraqi government’s plea for international intervention serves as a warning of the potential fallout from unchecked military operations across borders. Observers warn that without a diplomatic breakthrough, the region could face further destabilisation, particularly with Iraq caught between key allies and influential adversaries. Iraq’s position underscores the critical need for a renewed commitment to peacekeeping in a region where sovereignty and security are increasingly in flux.