A new report by The New York Times reveals that Israeli forces allegedly operated at least two covert bases in Iraq’s western desert. These bases were reportedly utilized to support military actions against Iran during the 12-day conflict in June 2025 and the ongoing war with Tehran.
Israel built two secret outposts in Iraq for Iran war, report says
Iraqi officials tell New York Times covert Israeli bases supported strikes on Iran, sparking anger in Baghdad over alleged violations of sovereigntyhttps://t.co/pJ7ULt7Cvm pic.twitter.com/A0fQbUNHP9
— Ynet Global (@ynetnews) May 17, 2026
The discovery of one base reportedly occurred accidentally when an Iraqi shepherd stumbled upon the site. His family believes this discovery cost him his life. The shepherd reportedly contacted Iraq’s regional military command to report soldiers, helicopters, and tents clustered around a landing strip. An Iraqi army reconnaissance force sent to investigate was reportedly attacked, resulting in casualties and damaged vehicles.
While Iraq’s Joint Operations Command publicly announced that “foreign” forces had attacked their soldiers and raised complaints at the UN Security Council, the report suggests that Iraqi officials privately suspected Israeli involvement after consulting with the US military.
The New York Times report indicates that the Israeli forces operated the two bases intermittently for over a year. Regional security officials stated that one base predated the current conflict and was used during the June 2025 war against Tehran. The outpost was allegedly established to shorten the distances Israeli aircraft had to fly to reach Iran.
The report also alleges that the US knew about the bases since June 2025 or possibly earlier and may have withheld this information from Iraq.
Critical Analysis
This report raises several critical questions and concerns:
- Sovereignty and Security: The alleged presence of covert Israeli bases on Iraqi soil raises serious questions about Iraq’s sovereignty and security. The Iraqi government’s reported failure to acknowledge these bases, potentially due to political sensitivities, highlights the complexities of Iraq’s relationship with both Israel and its allies.
- US Involvement and Transparency: The allegation that the US knew about the bases and withheld this information from Iraq raises concerns about transparency and the nature of the US-Iraq alliance. If true, this could damage trust between the two countries.
- Regional Implications: The existence of these bases and their alleged use in supporting military actions against Iran further destabilizes the already volatile regional landscape. It underscores the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the Middle East.
- Potential for Escalation: The discovery of these bases and the reported attacks on Iraqi forces could escalate tensions between Iraq, Israel, and potentially Iran.
- Source Reliability: The report relies on anonymous regional security officials and Iraqi officials, making it difficult to independently verify the claims. However, the New York Times’ reputation for journalistic integrity lends credibility to the report.
This report highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability from all parties involved to prevent further escalation of tensions and protect Iraq’s sovereignty. Further investigation and independent verification of these claims are crucial.
