Iraq Alleges Israel Violated Its Airspace During Iran Airstrikes

 Iraq’s Foreign Ministry accused Israel of breaching its airspace to execute airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, including Natanz and Fordow, labeling the action a violation of national sovereignty.

The accusation followed Israel’s Operation “Am K’Lavi,” which targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and killed senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders. Iraq’s statement demanded clarification from Israel regarding the unauthorized use of its airspace, referencing a 2024 U.S.-Iraq security agreement mandating coordination.

The Israeli operation involved over 200 fighter jets, striking 330 targets across Iran, with flight paths allegedly crossing Iraqi territory, based on radar data from Iran’s military. Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani convened an emergency parliamentary session to address the breach, emphasizing Iraq’s neutrality in the Israel-Iran conflict. The incident strained Iraq’s diplomatic relations, given its balancing act between U.S. alliances and Iran’s regional influence. The Arab League scheduled a meeting to discuss the violation, urging adherence to international law.

Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement advocating respect for sovereignty, aligning with the African Union’s position on territorial integrity. The airspace violation, occurring amid heightened Middle East tensions, complicated Iraq’s efforts to maintain stability following 2024’s domestic unrest over U.S. military presence. The accusation, a flashpoint in regional diplomacy, underscores the challenges of preventing spillover conflicts, with implications for Nigeria’s neutral stance in global geopolitics.