09.11.2026 11:25
According to a report in the Iraqi press, some parts of a war plan against Iran presented to US President Donald Trump were leaked. One of the three scenarios in the plan, which Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaydi is also reported to have seen, involves American soldiers entering southern Iran through Iraq and launching an invasion operation.
At a time when tension between the US and Iran has risen again, a striking report came from the Iraqi press. According to the November 9 report of the Iraq-based El Mada newspaper, Prime Minister Ali Falih ez-Zeydi raised some parts of a military plan presented to Donald Trump at a meeting with leaders of the Shia Coordination Framework. The plan, which includes three different war scenarios, also includes the option of US troops advancing into southern Iran through Iraq. This scenario raised the possibility that Iraq could become a direct part of a new war that might break out between the two countries.
US TROOPS COULD ENTER IRAN THROUGH IRAQ
In El Mada's report, based on sources close to the government, it was stated that the war plan presented to Trump consists of three separate scenarios. One of them involves American ground troops passing through Iraqi territory and entering southern Iran.
If such an operation takes place, Iraq could cease to be merely a country hosting US troops and turn into a transit route for a ground operation against Iran. This situation could drag the Baghdad administration into an extremely difficult position vis-à-vis both Washington and Tehran.
However, there is no verified information that the plan was approved by the US administration or that an implementation order was given for a military operation.
IRAN'S SCENARIO TOWARD KUWAIT IS ALSO ON THE TABLE
The newspaper's report addressed not only a possible US ground operation against Iran but also the response Tehran could give.
According to another scenario assessed at the meeting, Iran could exert pressure to carry out a military operation toward Kuwait by using the Basra region in southern Iraq.
This possibility shows that a possible US-Iran war may not be limited to only the two countries and could turn into a broader conflict involving Iraq and the Gulf countries.
HARSH WARNING FROM TRUMP TO IRAQ'S PRIME MINISTER
According to information conveyed by El Mada, during a telephone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Zeydi on Thursday, November 5, the issue of armed groups in Iraq participating in a possible war was also raised.
The report stated that the Washington administration does not want Iraq to be dragged into the conflict and expects Baghdad to take action against armed groups that could join the war alongside Iran.
It was also reported that Zeydi said at the Shia Coordination Framework meeting that members of armed groups could be arrested if they participated in the war on Iran's side.
TENSION BETWEEN ARMED GROUPS AND THE GOVERNMENT
One of the biggest problems facing the Iraqi government is how armed groups close to Iran will act in the face of a possible war.
According to El Mada, Qais al-Khazali, leader of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, said that if the clashes continue, armed groups could join the war.
Prime Minister Zeydi's arrest warning to the groups, however, caused discomfort within the Shia Coordination Framework. It is assessed that if the government takes such a step, it could face the risk of losing its political support.
CLEAR MESSAGE FROM IRAQ TO THE US: WE WILL NOT ALLOW OUR TERRITORY TO BE USED
During the period when war scenarios were being discussed, a striking statement also came from the Iraqi administration.
In his telephone conversation with Donald Trump on November 5, Prime Minister Zeydi emphasized that Iraqi territory would not be allowed to be used for carrying out attacks on neighboring countries.
In a statement made by the Iraqi Prime Minister's Office, it was reported that the two leaders discussed security developments in the region and diplomatic initiatives to reduce tension.
The Baghdad administration is concerned that a new war between Iran and the US could leave the country facing severe consequences.
WAR PLAN NOT YET VERIFIED
Although the scenarios brought to the agenda by El Mada indicate that the US may have considered a ground operation against Iran, no official statement confirming the existence of the plan has come from Washington.
Additionally, there is no information showing that the Iraqi administration approved such an operation. For this reason, it is assessed that the leaked scenario may be one of the military options prepared for possible conflicts, rather than a war plan on which a decision to implement has been made.
Nevertheless, Iraq's maintaining close relations with both the US and Iran increases the security risks Baghdad will face in a new war that may break out between the two countries.