Israel used secret Iraqi desert base for Iran strikes, WSJ reports

Israel built a covert military base in the Iraqi desert to support operations during its war against Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

According to the newspaper, the facility served as a logistical hub for the Israeli Air Force. The base also housed special forces personnel trained to conduct sabotage operations, as well as search-and-rescue teams.

The WSJ reported that the base was constructed with US approval. According to the report, the facility enabled Israel to carry out thousands of strikes against targets inside Iran.

Sources cited by the newspaper said the base faced the risk of exposure in early March. According to the report, a local shepherd noticed unusual activity in the area and alerted authorities. The Iraqi military subsequently dispatched troops to investigate.

According to the sources, Israel launched airstrikes to prevent Iraqi soldiers from approaching the base. One Iraqi soldier was killed in the incident.

“This reckless operation was carried out without any coordination or approval,” Iraqi Lieutenant General Qais al-Muhammadawi said.

Iraq filed a complaint with the United Nations in early March. According to the complaint, foreign forces participated in the attack and the airstrikes were carried out under US direction. However, a source cited by the WSJ said Washington had no involvement in the attack.

The newspaper reported that after the first Iraqi military unit sent to the area came under attack, Iraqi authorities deployed two additional units from the Counter-Terrorism Service. Those units reportedly found evidence indicating the presence of armed personnel in the area.

“It appears that before the attack there was a group operating on the ground, supported from the air and acting beyond the capabilities of our forces,” Muhammadawi said.

Security experts cited by the WSJ said it is common practice for the US military to establish temporary bases ahead of operations. The newspaper also reported that a similar base had been established in Iran and was later used in operations to rescue downed American pilots.

“Conducting reconnaissance before an operation and establishing such bases is normal,” said Michael Knights, head of research at the strategic advisory firm Horizon Engage.

Knights added that the desert region in western Iran is vast and sparsely populated, making it suitable for temporary forward operating bases.

On April 8, the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire. After the agreement expired, US President Donald Trump said on April 21 that he had issued new instructions to extend the ceasefire.

The same month, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tel Aviv was prepared for the resumption of war with Iran and was awaiting US approval for strikes targeting the Iranian leadership.

Axios reported on May 7, citing sources familiar with the matter, that the US and Iran were close to reaching a peace agreement. Trump described the talks as “going very well” and said Tehran was prepared to abandon nuclear weapons.

According to the report, the 14-point draft agreement includes a moratorium on Iran’s uranium enrichment, the lifting of US sanctions, the release of frozen assets and the removal of restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said on May 9 that Washington expected to receive a response to the proposal by the end of the day.