Report Claims Israel Operated Secret Military Bases in Iraq During Conflict With Iran

May 2026 | By Azad News

Israeli forces reportedly operated at least two covert military bases in Iraq’s western desert, according to a report published by the New York Times, raising serious regional security concerns.

The report stated that the secret outposts were allegedly used to support Israeli military operations during the 12-day conflict with Iran in June 2025 and possibly in ongoing regional tensions involving Tehran.

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One of the hidden bases was reportedly discovered accidentally by an Iraqi shepherd who informed local military authorities after witnessing helicopters, soldiers and military activity near a desert landing strip.

According to the report, the shepherd’s family believes the discovery may have ultimately cost him his life, adding a tragic dimension to the unfolding revelations.

Iraqi military forces later sent a reconnaissance unit to investigate the area, but the patrol reportedly came under attack, resulting in the death of one Iraqi soldier and injuries to two others.

Iraqi authorities publicly described the attackers only as “foreign forces”, while senior officials privately suspected Israeli involvement after consulting with American military counterparts, the report claimed.

The New York Times reported that the covert bases had allegedly existed for more than a year and were strategically positioned to reduce flight distances for Israeli aircraft operating toward Iran.

Regional security officials cited in the report claimed that preparations for at least one of the desert outposts began in late 2024, months before the brief Iran-Israel conflict erupted.

The report further alleged that the United States was aware of the bases by mid-2025, though Iraq’s government has not officially acknowledged the existence of any Israeli military presence on its territory.

Iraq does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, and any confirmed Israeli military activity inside the country would likely trigger major political and public backlash.

Conclusion

The reported existence of covert Israeli bases inside Iraq has added a new layer of tension to an already volatile region, with questions emerging over sovereignty, regional alliances and the wider implications of the Iran-Israel conflict.

This article is a rewritten summary based on publicly available information. It has been fully paraphrased for informational purposes only and does not reproduce any original copyrighted text.