Israel Builds Two Secret Bases in Iraq to Attack Iran

Israel has reportedly constructed two secret military locations in the western desert area of Iraq. These two secret bases are intended to support military strikes against Iran.

According to information cited by Anadolu Agency on Monday (18/5/2026), the prominent United States media outlet, the New York Times (NYT), reported on Sunday (17/5) local time, quoting several Iraqi and regional officials. The NYT report states that these newly revealed locations are two of the secret facilities used periodically by Israel within Iraqi territory for over a year.

Officials quoted by the NYT stated that the sites are utilised for air support, refueling, and medical services. It was also noted that these locations played a role during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran that broke out in June 2025.

One of the locations was uncovered, according to the NYT, after an Iraqi shepherd, Awad al-Shammari, discovered unusual military activity near al-Nukhaib last March. Al-Shammari subsequently informed local authorities after spotting helicopters, tents, and what appeared to be an emergency landing strip. The NYT report further noted that Al-Shammari subsequently disappeared and was found dead. Additionally, Iraqi military forces sent to investigate the site were attacked, resulting in at least one soldier killed and two others wounded.

Earlier this month, another leading US media outlet, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), also reported that Israel had built secret military sites in the western Iraqi desert to support operations against Iran.

A senior Iraqi security official, in a statement to Anadolu following the WSJ report, rejected claims of Israeli military activity in the Iraqi desert area, calling the reports “untrue.” However, the Iraqi official did reveal that his forces faced “mysterious” air operations in the al-Nukhaib desert area last March, an incident that was addressed at the time. Israel has not yet responded to these media reports.