Iraq braces for renewed Iran conflict after 1,000 strikes on Kurdistan, 600 militia attacks

Iraq is bracing for renewed conflict with Iran after Tehran carried out some 1,000 strikes on the Kurdistan Region and Iranian-backed militias launched roughly 600 attacks inside Iraq. Baghdad closed the Al-Sheeb border crossing with Iran on Wednesday, citing security upgrades. The Kurdistan Regional Government denied reports that Ukrainian forces are operating from its territory.

Iraq is on edge over the prospect of renewed fighting with Iran after Tehran carried out some 1,000 strikes on the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq. Additionally, Iranian-backed militias launched roughly 600 attacks inside Iraq, most of them on US diplomatic facilities. Baghdad closed some border crossings with Iran, including the Al-Sheeb crossing in southern Iraq, on Wednesday, saying it needed upgrades to security and technical infrastructure. Iran criticized the decision, saying Baghdad failed to provide advance notice. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has denied reports that Ukrainian forces, military units or drones are operating from its territory, emphasizing a policy of neutrality. In another development, Iraq and Jordan have emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral security cooperation, and Iraq's defense minister conducted an aerial inspection tour of military units deployed along the Iraq-Syria border.