US lifts Iraq strike limits for Israel after pullout

Days after the United States completed its troop withdrawal from Iraq, foreign reports indicate that Washington has granted Israel expanded freedom of operation in Iraqi airspace. According to Western sources quoted by the Emirati news site Erem News, the US has removed operational restrictions previously imposed on the Israeli Air Force.

The report, published Sunday, suggests the move may pave the way for direct strikes against Iranian-backed militias operating on Iraqi soil. Until the full withdrawal, Washington limited extensive Israeli activity in Iraq out of concern that Shiite militias would retaliate against American forces stationed in the country.

According to the Western sources, Israel briefed the American administration on its plans and those of the Mossad to prevent the militias from consolidating their position. The Israeli Air Force will now be able to operate more directly and extensively against militia targets, drone and missile warehouses, and Iranian logistical infrastructure in Iraq.

A central objective of the potential activity is disrupting the Iranian "corridor" running through Iraq toward Syria and Lebanon, which serves to transfer advanced weapons, funds and logistical support. At the same time, the US has committed to strengthening its air defence systems in the Middle East and establishing a regional defence network, fearing retaliatory action by Iran and its proxies.

It should be noted that as of now there is no official confirmation from the United States or Israel regarding the report. This is a report based on unidentified sources.

End of the American presence

On 30 September, US Central Command completed the orderly evacuation of American forces and equipment from the Erbil air base in Iraq, marking the end of Operation Inherent Resolve's mission in the country. The move signals the end of the American military presence in Iraq after more than 20 years since the 2003 invasion.

A force numbering some 2,500 American troops had in recent years been engaged in advising and training Iraqi security forces as part of the fight against ISIS. The transition in Iraq is part of a planned shift to bilateral defence relations between the United States and Iraq. The Combined Joint Task Force remains active and now operates its headquarters from Jordan, while US forces continue the mission against ISIS in Syria.

"Tens of thousands of American military personnel, diplomats and civilian staff who answered the call in Iraq have done excellent work," said Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. Iraq declared a "Sovereignty Day" to mark the occasion.

Meanwhile, the Baghdad government continues efforts to bring the militias under state control, but the deadline for disarmament has been postponed to June 2027. Key groups such as Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba are resisting full disarmament.

With the departure of American forces, the Shiite militias led by Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba are firmly refusing to disband. The umbrella organisation al-Hashd al-Shaabi continues to operate as the executive arm of Iran's Quds Force, creating a territorial corridor through which weapons, military technology and fighters are channelled from Iran through Iraq to Syria and Lebanon.