Israel’s Secret Iraq Base Allegedly Supported Iran Air Campaign, WSJ Reports

Israel reportedly established a covert military outpost deep in the Iraqi desert to support its recent air campaign against Iran, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing sources familiar with the operation, including U.S. officials. The secret installation allegedly played a major role in the joint U.S.-Israeli conflict against Iran by serving as a logistical center for Israeli military operations.

The report stated that the clandestine base was constructed shortly before the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran and was created with Washington’s knowledge. The facility reportedly housed Israeli special forces units, aviation support crews, and search-and-rescue teams prepared to recover Israeli pilots in the event aircraft were shot down during missions over the region.

Tensions escalated in early March when Iraqi state media reported that a local shepherd noticed suspicious helicopter activity and unusual military movements in the desert area. Iraqi security forces were then sent to investigate the location. According to the Wall Street Journal, Israeli forces launched airstrikes against Iraqi troops to prevent the hidden military site from being uncovered.

The report further claimed Iraq later submitted a complaint to the United Nations, alleging that foreign forces conducted the air attack and suggesting U.S. involvement. However, the Journal cited a source familiar with the situation who insisted the United States did not participate in the strike against Iraqi forces.

Reuters said it could not independently verify the claims made in the report. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the alleged operation.

The revelations have intensified regional concerns over escalating Middle East tensions, Israeli military activity in Iraq, and the broader geopolitical impact of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, Iraq, and the United States.