Israel established a covert military installation in the Iraqi desert to support its air operations against Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing US officials and other sources. The facility was built shortly before the conflict with Iran began, with prior knowledge of the United States.
Covert Base Details
The secret facility allegedly hosted Israeli special forces and served as a logistical hub for air operations targeting Iran. It included search-and-rescue teams prepared to assist if Israeli pilots were downed during missions over Iranian territory, though no Israeli pilots were reportedly lost during the campaign.
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.
Near Exposure of the Base
The covert base was nearly exposed in early March after a local shepherd alerted Iraqi authorities to unusual activity, including helicopter movements. Iraqi troops were dispatched to investigate, prompting Israel to launch airstrikes to prevent them from reaching the installation.
Baghdad condemned the incident at the time, with Qais Al-Muhammadawi, deputy commander of Iraq's Joint Operations Command, stating: "This reckless operation was carried out without coordination or approval." One Iraqi soldier was killed. Later in March, Iraq filed a complaint with the United Nations, alleging foreign involvement and initially blaming the United States, though a source denied Washington's involvement.
Potential US-Iran Talks
The report also indicated that Washington and Tehran may resume talks as early as next week in Islamabad, Pakistan, focusing on a draft 14-point memorandum of understanding to establish a framework for month-long negotiations aimed at de-escalation. An initial 15-day ceasefire took effect on April 8, but talks on April 11 failed to produce a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a fixed end date.
