U.S. Media: Israel Establishes Secret Base Against Iran in the Iraqi Desert

On May 10, Xinhua News Agency reported from Washington that the Wall Street Journal cited U.S. officials and informed sources as saying that Israel has established a secret military base in the Iraqi desert for airstrikes against Iran, and launched airstrikes against Iraqi forces that "almost discovered" the base in the early stages of the conflict with Iran.

The report cited sources as saying that the base was established shortly before the U.S. and Israel took military action against Iran this year, and that the U.S. was "aware" of it. The base also serves as a logistics hub for the Israeli Air Force.

The report stated that Israel has deployed search and rescue teams at the base. According to informed sources, Israeli Air Force special forces capable of conducting assault missions are also stationed at the base.

The report also noted that the base was nearly discovered in early March. Iraqi state media reported that a shepherd reported unusual activities, such as helicopters flying in the area, prompting the Iraqi military to send troops to investigate. Israel prevented Iraqi forces from approaching the base through airstrikes.

The report did not specify the exact location of the base.

A strategic consulting expert told the Wall Street Journal that the sparsely populated desert area in western Iraq is an "ideal location" for establishing temporary outposts. The expert noted that U.S. special forces had used this area during the operation to overthrow Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003.

On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran. On April 8, the U.S. and Iran announced a ceasefire. Subsequently, negotiations held in Islamabad, Pakistan, between the two sides were unsuccessful. Since April 13, the U.S. has implemented a blockade on ships traveling to Iranian ports.