Israel built desert installation in Iraq to support Iran-focused air campaign — WSJ
The United States appeared not to be involved in strikes on Iraqi military forces (photo: Getty Images)
Israel has built a secret military base in the Iraqi desert to support its air campaign against Iran. Iranian forces were also struck after they had nearly detected the facility at the start of the war, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Sources say Israel constructed the site shortly before the war. It housed special operations forces and served as a logistics hub for the Israeli Air Force.
Search-and-rescue teams were also stationed there in case Israeli pilots were shot down. However, no Israeli aircraft losses were recorded.
When a US F-15 fighter jet was shot down near Isfahan in Iran, Israeli forces reportedly offered assistance, but American troops rescued the two pilots on their own. Israel also carried out airstrikes to protect the operation.
However, the Israeli base nearly came under detection in early March. The media reported that a local shepherd had observed unusual military activity in the area, including helicopter flights.
Following this, Iraqi military forces were deployed to investigate. Israel responded with airstrikes aimed at deterring them. The Iraqi government at the time condemned the attack, in which an Iraqi soldier was killed.
In a complaint filed with the United Nations in late March, Iraq said foreign forces were involved and attributed the airstrikes to the United States. However, a WSJ source said the United States did not take part in the attacks.
The outlet notes that the details of the base and the risks Israel took to establish and defend it illustrate how the country could conduct an air campaign against an adversary located roughly 1,000 miles away.
Iran war ending
According to sources at The Wall Street Journal, the United States and Iran may resume direct talks in Pakistan next week. The sides are expected to work on a 14-point memorandum outlining the framework for negotiations over a one-month period.
Reports also emerged that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff met with the Prime Minister of Qatar to discuss a future agreement with Iran, as Qatar has effectively become the main mediator driving diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran.
