‘Israel operated covert base in Iraq during war with Iran’
The Wall Street Journal says secret outpost in Iraq’s desert supported Israeli air operations against Iran and triggered clashes with Iraqi forces
WASHINGTON (MNTV) — Israel established a covert military base in Iraq’s desert region to support air operations against Iran during the recent conflict, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal.
The newspaper reported Saturday that the outpost was built shortly before the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran began on Feb. 28 and operated with Washington’s knowledge.
According to the report, the base functioned as a logistics hub for Israeli special forces and the Israeli air force, including search-and-rescue teams tasked with recovering downed pilots.
The report said Iraqi forces nearly uncovered the site in early March after a local shepherd reported suspicious helicopter activity in the remote desert area.
Iraqi state media reported the incident at the time, prompting Iraqi security forces to launch an investigation.
According to the report, Israeli aircraft later struck Iraqi troops approaching the site, killing at least one Iraqi soldier and forcing the units to withdraw before they could expose the operation.
“This reckless operation was carried out without coordination or approval,” Qais Al-Muhammadawi told Iraqi state media, condemning the incident as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that Israel offered assistance after a U.S. F-15 fighter jet was reportedly shot down near Isfahan during the conflict.
Israeli aircraft later carried out additional strikes under what the report described as efforts to “secure the mission.”
The revelations come as tensions remain elevated following the war imposed on Iran by the United States and Israel, which triggered retaliatory Iranian strikes and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
A Pakistan-brokered ceasefire took effect on April 8, though negotiations aimed at securing a permanent settlement have not produced a final agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump later announced an extension of the truce without specifying an end date.
Iran has maintained that its military response was defensive and carried out in reaction to unprovoked attacks by the United States and Israel.
The reported existence of the Israeli base is likely to intensify concerns in Iraq over foreign military activity on Iraqi territory and the broader regional fallout from the conflict.
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