Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, May 11: A covert Israeli military installation was allegedly established in the Iraqi desert to support air operations against Iran, later triggering retaliatory strikes on Iraqi forces when they came close to uncovering the site, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The report claims the facility was constructed shortly before the outbreak of the conflict with Iran and with prior knowledge of the United States. The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iranian targets on February 28, an escalation that reportedly ignited wider regional hostilities.
The secret site was said to host Israeli special forces and function as a logistical and operational hub for missions targeting Iranian territory. It also reportedly housed search-and-rescue units prepared to recover downed pilots operating over Iran, although no Israeli pilots were lost during the campaign.
The installation allegedly played a role in supporting air operations across the region. The report further noted that after a US F-15 fighter jet was downed near Isfahan in Iran, Israel offered assistance in recovery efforts. However, US forces independently retrieved both the pilot and weapons system officer, and Israel later conducted strikes linked to securing that recovery operation.
The covert facility came close to exposure in early March when a local shepherd reportedly alerted Iraqi authorities to suspicious activity, including helicopter movements in the area. Iraqi troops were subsequently deployed to investigate.
According to the report, Israel launched airstrikes to prevent Iraqi forces from reaching the site. Iraqi officials condemned the incident, stating that one soldier was killed and describing the operation as unauthorised and uncoordinated. “This reckless operation was carried out without coordination or approval,” said Qais Al-Muhammadawi, deputy commander of Iraq’s Joint Operations Command.
Iraq later filed a complaint with the United Nations, alleging foreign involvement in the strikes and initially attributing responsibility to the United States. However, sources cited in the report denied any US involvement.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts related to the wider conflict continue to evolve. Reports suggest that the United States and Iran may resume talks as early as next week in Islamabad, Pakistan, with mediation centred on a draft 14-point framework aimed at a temporary ceasefire and structured negotiations.
An earlier 15-day ceasefire took effect on April 8, but follow-up talks in Islamabad on April 11 failed to reach a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended without a fixed end date by US President Donald Trump as efforts to stabilise the situation continue.