Israel established a covert military installation in the Iraqi desert to support its air operations against Iran and later carried out airstrikes on Iraqi forces after they came close to discovering the site, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter, including US officials.According to the report, the secret facility was built shortly before the conflict with Iran began and with prior knowledge of the United States. The United States and Israel conducted strikes across the Islamic Republic on February 28, triggering the Middle East war.The base allegedly hosted Israeli special forces and also served as a logistical hub for air operations targeting Iran.According to the report, the site included search-and-rescue teams prepared to assist if Israeli pilots were downed during missions over Iranian territory. However, no Israeli pilots were reportedly lost during the campaign.The report further stated that after a US F-15 fighter jet was shot down near Iran’s Isfahan, Israel offered assistance in recovery operations, but American troops independently recovered the two airmen. Israel reportedly carried out strikes in connection with securing that recovery effort.
How the covert base was nearly exposed
The covert base was nearly exposed in early March after a local shepherd alerted Iraqi authorities to unusual activity in the area, including helicopter movements. Iraqi troops were then dispatched to investigate.Israel launched airstrikes to prevent Iraqi forces from reaching the installation. Baghdad condemned the incident at the time, saying one Iraqi soldier was killed.“This reckless operation was carried out without coordination or approval,” Qais Al-Muhammadawi, deputy commander of Iraq’s Joint Operations Command, told state media.Later in March, Iraq filed a complaint with the United Nations, alleging foreign involvement in the strikes and initially blaming the United States. However, a source cited in the report denied Washington was involved.
US-Iran talks to resume?
The report also stated that Washington and Tehran may resume talks as early as next week in Islamabad, Pakistan, with mediation efforts focusing on a draft 14-point memorandum of understanding intended to establish a framework for a month-long negotiation process aimed at de-escalation.An initial 15-day ceasefire took effect on April 8, but initial talks in Islamabad on April 11 failed to produce a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a fixed end date.(With ANI inputs)
