Allied Intelligence — 2026-05-18
Israel Operated Two Secret Military Bases in Iraqi Desert Before and During Iran War
BLUFDespite verified sovereignty violations, Baghdad is unlikely to refer Israel's covert bases to the UN Security Council within the next six months, constrained by Washington's leverage and reliance on private protest over formal escalation.
The New York Times reports that Israel built and operated at least two covert military outposts in Iraq's western desert, one prepared as early as late 2024, used for air support, refueling, and medical evacuation during the
Analysis
Baghdad isunlikely within the next six months to formally refer Israel's military presence to the UN Security Council, per a single NYT report. Washington's demonstrated leverage, persuading Iraq to disable its own radars, structurally caps escalatory options, and lawmakers' sovereignty complaints fall short of the institutional commitment a referral requires. The NYT's confirmation of a second installation and Israeli strikes on an Iraqi soldier materially escalate what the May 9 WSJ established. The March casualties may instead reflect a deconfliction failure within undisclosed bilateral coordination. Moderate confidence reflects limited deliberative visibility; a formal referral would force US officials to account for foreknowledge and expose the framework to congressional review.
Baghdad is
4 sources
- Israel Built Second Secret Military Base in Iraqi Desert, Officials Say -
The New York Times (via Yahoo News) - Israel built two military bases in Iraq before war on Iran: New York Times -
Al Jazeera - Israel Built Two Covert Military Bases in Iraq to Support Iran Strikes – Report -
The Times of Israel - Report Reveals Israel Ran a Second Military Base in Iraqi Desert During Iran War -
Haaretz