Iraq reaffirms neutrality after US warning of possible attacks

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq's foreign ministry on Thursday reaffirmed the country's "firm" stance of neutrality in the escalating regional conflict, responding to a US travel warning by stressing that it “is not a party to this conflict and has no desire to be part of it,” as security concerns intensify in Baghdad.

The ministry's remarks came hours after the United States embassy urged American citizens to leave Iraq “now,” warning that “Iran-aligned Iraqi terrorist militia groups may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad within the next 24 to 48 hours.”

The advisory followed the abduction of American journalist Shelly Kittleson earlier this week in the Iraqi capital.

Reiterating its position, the ministry said Iraq remains committed to “keeping Iraq outside the cycle of the ongoing conflict in the region,” despite being “one of the countries most affected by its security, economic, and political repercussions.”

On February 28, the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran, with the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reporting on Saturday that more than 11,000 targets have been hit across the country.

In retaliation, Tehran has carried out thousands of drone and missile attacks across the Middle East, targeting alleged US assets - particularly in Gulf Arab states - as well as launching retaliatory strikes against Israel.

Iran’s response has involved Iraqi armed groups aligned with the Tehran-led ‘Axis of Resistance,’ with several factions claiming responsibility for attacks on alleged US targets in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Addressing concerns raised by Washington, the ministry emphasized that any attacks carried out by armed groups or individuals do not reflect official state policy. It warned that “certain entities or individuals may attempt - contrary to state directives - to take unilateral actions or exploit their positions or official titles to carry out acts that do not represent official policy.”

"Such individual actions, or those issued by limited groups, are considered unlawful acts and do not, in any way, reflect the role of the Iraqi government or its institutions."

The US embassy, however, cautioned that such groups may target a wide range of locations, including “citizens, businesses, universities, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure, hotels, airports, and other locations perceived to be associated with the United States, as well as Iraqi institutions and civilian targets.”

Despite operating under a caretaker government, the ministry said they are exerting "maximum efforts to prevent any escalation, strengthen security measures, protect diplomatic missions, foreign interests, and citizens, and maintain internal stability.” It also stressed ongoing efforts to ensure Iraqi territory “is not used as a launchpad for any hostile acts.”