Washington’s Stern Warning to Baghdad Amid Speculation of Israeli Strike on Iraq

Iraqi Defense Minister Thabit al-Abbasi revealed in a televised interview that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had informed him via a phone call about an imminent military operation in the region. Hegseth reportedly issued a firm warning against any involvement by Iraqi factions, ending the 11–12 minute call—held in the presence of Iraq’s Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander of Joint Operations—with the statement: “This is your final notice, and you know well how the current U.S. administration will respond.”

The Hebrew outlet Walla, citing sources within the Israeli military command, reported that Iran is heavily investing in Iraqi resistance groups to prepare for potential air and ground attacks against Israel. According to Israeli intelligence, Iran has recently strengthened the military and logistical infrastructure of its allied factions in Iraq. These developments reportedly coincide with a recent visit by Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Quds Force, to Baghdad, where he met with group leaders.

The report claims that during these meetings, various scenarios for a possible attack on Israel were discussed, including drone and missile strikes, as well as ground operations via Syria and Jordan.

The disclosure of this direct communication between the U.S. and Iraqi defense ministers, alongside Israeli media reports of a potential strike on Iraq, signals a new phase in the confrontation between the resistance axis and Israel. Washington’s warning aims to prevent coordination among resistance fronts in Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestine, and to block the formation of a unified operational axis against Israel.

Resistance group activity in Iraq targeting U.S. and Israeli interests has long been a point of contention between Baghdad and Washington. These attacks were temporarily halted under U.S. pressure and mediation by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani.

From Tel Aviv’s perspective, Iraq is increasingly becoming Iran’s strategic front against Israel. The recent transfer of drones and missiles from Iran to Iraqi resistance groups has raised serious concerns in both Washington and Tel Aviv, fueling speculation about a potential Israeli preemptive strike on weapons depots or logistical bases inside Iraq.

Pete Hegseth’s warning to Iraq’s defense minister was not merely a security concern—it also suggests that the U.S. is tacitly aware of Israel’s military plans and seeks to diplomatically shield itself from any retaliatory actions by Iraqi groups. Washington understands that any Israeli attack on Iraq could quickly escalate into direct conflict between U.S. forces and resistance factions on Iraqi soil.