Iraq caught in crossfire faces rising concern as nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran continue to stall. Political leaders and analysts across Iraq warn of serious consequences if these talks collapse.
Because Iraq maintains close ties with both Washington and Tehran, any confrontation could severely affect national stability. Armed groups loyal to Iran operate throughout Iraq. These factions have previously attacked American forces stationed there.
Many of these militias belong to the Popular Mobilization Forces. Although state-sanctioned, they often follow their own agendas. The Iraqi government struggles to control their actions. This situation adds further risk if violence breaks out.
Officials fear that Iraq caught in crossfire could quickly become reality. Member of Parliament Mokhtar al-Moussawi has warned of the regional risks. He believes that any direct strike by the US or Israel may cause widespread retaliation. These responses could include missile attacks on US bases in Iraq and across the Gulf region.
Currently, the US operates more than 25 military sites across the Middle East. These include large bases in Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. American personnel remain vulnerable to coordinated attacks by Iranian-backed groups.
The 2020 killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis remains fresh in Iraq’s memory. Following that incident, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Al Asad Air Base. Dozens of US troops were injured in that strike. Soon after, Iraqi militias increased rocket and drone attacks on American forces.
During the recent Gaza conflict, this pattern repeated itself. Iraqi factions loyal to Iran targeted US positions over 160 times in Iraq and Syria. Many of these attacks hit Ain al-Asad and al-Harir Air Bases.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein recently traveled to Washington. He urged both sides to return to diplomacy. He stated that Iraq supports the negotiations and fears a breakdown could lead to conflict. His message reflected Iraq’s fragile position and rising insecurity.
Strategic expert Ihsan al-Shammari agreed with this concern. He explained that Iraq caught in crossfire would suffer greater losses than either Iran or the United States. Iraq’s political process, he noted, depends on calm between the two powers.
Analyst Ramadan al-Badran also highlighted the danger. He warned that Iranian proxies inside Iraq could launch attacks on US forces. Any such move would likely spark an American response. That, in turn, could spark a larger conflict involving Iraq directly.
Iraq caught in crossfire means more than just political tension. It also signals economic decline, social unrest, and damage to national sovereignty. As the US and Iran drift further apart, Baghdad continues to hope for peace. However, many fear that Iraq may not avoid the fallout.