Iraqi Representative Condemns Israeli Airspace Violations at UN Security Council

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraq’s representative to the United Nations Security Council, Abbas Kazem, issued a sharp warning on Friday regarding the intensifying Israel-Iran conflict, revealing that 50 Israeli warplanes had violated Iraqi airspace just hours before the Council’s emergency session convened.

Speaking during the Security Council meeting held on Friday, Kazem described the overflights as a “flagrant assault” and an “unlawful use of the airspace of a sovereign state,” denouncing the incursion as a clear breach of international law and the UN Charter.

“Shortly before the convening of this session, 50 Israeli warplanes violated our airspace and our territorial integrity,” he said. According to Kazem, the aircraft entered from the Syrian-Jordanian border, with 20 jets initially crossing into Iraqi territory, followed by 30 more flying over the cities of Gaza, Najaf, and Karbala.

Airspace Closure and National Precaution

The Iraqi official noted that the scale of the violation compelled Baghdad to make the “precautionary decision” to close its airspace. He emphasized that this action had become necessary due to the “domestic risks” posed by the ongoing conflict, which has escalated rapidly since Israeli forces launched major airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and ballistic missile sites on June 13.

In response, Iran fired hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Tel Aviv, some of which were intercepted by Israeli air defense systems, while others struck residential buildings, causing significant damage.

Regional Spillover and Religious Sensitivities

Kazem warned that the Israeli air operations not only threaten Iraq’s sovereignty but also endanger the sacred cities of Najaf and Karbala, raising the possibility of “strong popular reactions” due to the religious significance of these locations.

He cautioned that such actions risk dragging the region into “a dangerous regional war” and described the situation as “a serious threat to the entire area.”

Iraq Supports Diplomatic De-escalation

The Iraqi representative expressed appreciation to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his call to contain the crisis and to resume negotiations, acknowledging the international efforts to avoid broader conflict.

“We also thank the Under-Secretary-General and the Director General of the IAEA for their efforts,” Kazem said, stressing the importance of adhering to international frameworks and avoiding any military escalation that could destabilize the region and jeopardize global energy security.

Israeli Strikes Spark Outrage in Baghdad

Kazem stated that Israel’s military campaign, including attacks on Iranian infrastructure and nuclear scientists, has created “a direct threat to the region and to Iraq.” He accused Israel of disregarding IAEA reports and undermining international non-proliferation mechanisms.

“These preemptive operations are a violation of international legal standards and Iraq’s sovereignty,” he concluded, adding that the spillover from Israel’s campaign against Iran is imposing “severe consequences” on Iraq and threatens to ignite further regional instability.