Opposition MP Gideon Saar Photo: Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s recent letter to the UN Security Council (UNSC) has provoked a notable reaction in Iraq, highlighting the tensions in the region related to Iran and its proxies. In his address on 18 November, Saar called on the international community to take urgent action against pro-Iranian groups operating in Iraq and using it to attack Israel. This situation highlights both the strengths and limitations of Iran’s influence in the region, as well as the ongoing confrontation between Israel and its opponents. This was written by the Jerusalem Post.
The context of Saar’s letter
Israel’s Foreign Minister said that pro-Iranian groups in Iraq pose a direct threat to his country’s security. In his letter, Saar stressed Israel’s right to self-defence under the UN Charter and called on the Iraqi government to ensure that its territory is not used to attack other states.
This appeal fits into Israel’s broader strategy aimed at countering threats from Iran and its proxies, particularly in Syria. By appealing to the UN Security Council, Israel is not only focusing on its security needs, but is also trying to increase diplomatic pressure on Iraq.
Iraq’s reaction
Saar’s letter provoked an immediate response from Iraq. The country’s Foreign Ministry sent statements not only to the UN Security Council, but also to the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. This indicates Iraq’s considerable concern about the possibility of an Israeli military strike, which could destabilise the already tense situation in the country.
Iraq, on the one hand, is trying to maintain a balance between sovereignty and the need to counter Iran’s proxy actions, and on the other hand, it is avoiding direct conflicts with Israel.
Regional context
This event demonstrates the broader geopolitical challenges in the Middle East:
- Iran’s proxy network. The presence of pro-Iranian groups in Iraq is part of Tehran’s strategy to expand its influence. However, these groups are also becoming a vulnerability, attracting international attention and threatening military strikes.
- Israel’s strategy. Israel continues to actively defend its interests, emphasising its right to self-defence. Appealing to the UN Security Council allows not only to bring the problem to the international level, but also to exert diplomatic pressure on Iraq.
- Iraq’s dilemma. The Iraqi government is in a difficult position: on the one hand, it needs to curb Iran’s influence, and on the other hand, it needs to avoid escalating tensions with Israel or increasing internal chaos.
The situation around Gideon Saar’s letter demonstrates the complexity of interregional conflicts, in which local actions have global consequences. For Iraq, this is yet another challenge that requires careful management of internal problems and balancing the interests of key external actors.
Despite the immediate diplomatic response, the issue of pro-Iranian groups in Iraq remains unresolved. This requires not only international attention but also coordinated efforts to stabilise the region.
