Striking claim from Iraqi press: US plan to invade Iran revealed

As tensions rose again between the USA and Iran, a remarkable claim came to the fore in the Iraqi press. According to Iraq-based Al-Mada newspaper, the three-scenario war plan presented to US President Donald Trump also includes the option of American soldiers entering southern Iran via Iraq and launching a ground operation. It was claimed that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi saw some parts of the plan.

The newspaper's news, based on sources close to the government, claimed that Iran could put pressure on Baghdad to launch an operation against Kuwait via Iraq in the event of a possible war. The news also stated that the USA is putting pressure on the Iraqi government to prevent Iraqi armed groups close to Iran from siding with Tehran in a possible conflict.

According to Al-Mada's report, Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi shared the details of the war plan, which was allegedly presented to Trump in a closed meeting with the leaders of the Shiite Coordination Framework. The newspaper wrote that one of the three scenarios envisages US soldiers passing through Iraqi territory and advancing to the south of Iran.

If this scenario is realized, Iraq can be used as a transit route in the US ground operation against Iran.

According to another scenario cited by the newspaper, Iran could use the Basra region in southern Iraq to pressure Baghdad to launch a military operation against Kuwait. Such a development may bring about the risk of a possible US-Iran war spreading to Iraq and the Gulf countries.

El-Mada shared details of only two of the three scenarios. He did not provide information about the third scenario. The US administration has not yet confirmed the alleged war plan.

According to Al-Mada's report, US President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Zaidi had a phone conversation on November 5. The possibility of Iraqi armed groups close to Iran participating in a possible war was also discussed during the meeting.

The newspaper's sources claimed that the Washington administration does not want Iraq to get involved in the conflict and expects Baghdad to take steps against armed groups that may join the war on Iran's side. It was also claimed that the USA was of the opinion that the Iraqi government did not fulfill its promises to disarm armed groups.

The news stated that Zaidi brought up the expectations of the USA in his meeting with the leaders of the Shiite Coordination Framework. It was reported that the Prime Minister warned that members of armed groups could be arrested if they join the war on Iran's side.

The Iraqi Prime Minister's Office published a statement regarding the phone call between Zaidi and Trump on November 5. According to the statement, Zaidi emphasized that Iraqi territory will not be allowed to be used to launch attacks against neighboring countries.

It was reported that the two leaders discussed security developments in the region and diplomatic initiatives to reduce tensions during the meeting.

This statement by the Baghdad administration contradicts the scenario put forward by Al-Mada of US soldiers advancing on Iran through Iraq. However, there is no information indicating that the Iraqi administration has approved such an operation.