Iraq Calls for Military Overhaul Amid Airspace Violations and Regional Escalation
Amid Israeli-Iranian war spillover, Iraqi leaders push for advanced defense systems and reject use of national territory to strike Arab or Muslim nations.
Watan-The war between Iran and Israel has exposed Iraq’s urgent need to enhance its military capabilities, especially in air defense. As Iraqi airspace became an unprotected theater for missiles and drones flying between both sides, the Iraqi government’s response was limited to condemnation and expressions of outrage over “violations of Iraqi sovereignty.”
This reality has sparked widespread political and parliamentary calls for a comprehensive review of Iraq’s military and security institutions, and for the acquisition of advanced defense systems to protect the country’s sovereignty.
Strategic Vision
Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition and a leading figure in the Shiite Coordination Framework, stressed that Iraq must match the strength of its regional neighbors. In a speech marking the start of Muharram, he said:“Reform should not be a political slogan—it must reflect a strategic vision that addresses structural weaknesses in state institutions.”
He emphasized the need to overhaul all security and military bodies, not just for national stability, but also to safeguard Iraq’s sovereignty against external threats.
Al-Maliki warned that regional wars, which started in Gaza and spread to Lebanon, Syria, and now Iran, may eventually reach Iraq:“We must become a strong state, equipped to defend our sovereignty, people, and sacred sites—not for war, as under the Baathist regime, but for protection and national dignity.”
Parliamentary Push for Defense Reform
MP Mahdi Taqi Amerli, a member of the Parliamentary Defense and Security Committee, echoed these concerns, warning that Iraq’s sovereignty cannot be secured without building a robust military institution. He called for sweeping changes in weapon systems, training programs, and military doctrine, highlighting that outdated methods are no longer viable amid shifting global threats.
He urged urgent investment in radar and missile systems for airspace surveillance and deterrence, and called for specialized military training, including international programs under global military experts.
“Technology alone isn’t enough—it must be managed by well-trained professionals.”
Amerli also stressed the importance of restructuring Iraq’s Defense and Interior Ministries to address modern warfare challenges such as drone attacks, cyber threats, and psychological warfare.
He advocated for activating bilateral defense agreements with advanced military nations to facilitate technology transfer and training. He hoped 2025 would witness major progress in Iraq’s defense contracts and military institutional reform.
Arab Parliamentary Alignment & Rafah Visit
At the same time, Iraqi MPs participated in the Arab Parliament’s final session in Cairo, where they reiterated Iraq’s rejection of using its land or skies to attack any Arab or Muslim country. They also reaffirmed support for Palestine and Iran in the face of Israeli aggression.
MP Hanan Al-Fatlawi stated:“Iraq rejects the violation of its land and airspace for attacks on any Arab or Muslim state.”
She confirmed Iraq raised two main issues at the session:
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Support for the Palestinian cause, including a visit to the Rafah border crossing, and calls to open it for humanitarian aid.
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Condemnation of Israeli strikes on Iran, while praising Arab countries that took strong stances against it.
She noted that Iraq filed a formal complaint at the UN Security Council, supported by religious authorities and public outrage against airspace violations.
MP Ahmad al-Jubouri, Deputy Speaker of the Arab Parliament, shared observations from a delegation visit to Rafah, describing the humanitarian situation as catastrophic, with full closure of the crossing for over four months.
He mentioned visits to hospitals like the UAE field hospital and Arish hospital, and said the Arab Parliament is compiling evidence of Israeli war crimes for submission to the ICC.
MP Nazem al-Shibli affirmed Iraq’s unwavering support for all Arab causes, especially Palestine, and endorsed urgent Arab Parliament calls to reopen Rafah and treat Gaza’s wounded.
