Israel Built Secret Military Base in Iraqi Desert to Support Air Campaign Against Iran

May 11, 2026

Israel established a secret military outpost in Iraq's western desert to support air operations against Iran, housing special forces, serving as a logistical hub, and positioning search-and-rescue teams for downed pilots, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing U.S. officials. The base was built with U.S. knowledge just before the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran began. In early March, after a local shepherd reported unusual helicopter activity, Iraqi troops were dispatched to investigate, prompting Israel to conduct airstrikes to keep them at distance and prevent discovery of the facility. Iraq subsequently filed a United Nations complaint attributing the attack to the United States, though U.S. officials stated America was not involved in the airstrikes against Iraqi forces.

Israel's Secret Military Base in Iraqi Desert

▪Israel set up a clandestine military outpost in the Iraqi desert to support Israel's air campaign against Iran.
▪Israel built the military installation in the Iraqi desert just before the start of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
▪The Israeli military installation in the Iraqi desert served as a logistical hub for the Israeli air force.
▪The Israeli military installation in the Iraqi desert included search-and-rescue teams positioned to assist any downed Israeli pilots.

Near-Discovery by Iraqi Forces and Israeli Response

▪Iraq attributed the March attack involving foreign forces and airstrikes to the United States in the complaint filed with the United Nations.
▪Israeli forces used airstrikes to keep Iraqi troops at a distance and prevent the Israeli base in the Iraqi desert from being discovered.
▪Iraqi troops were dispatched to investigate the unusual military activity near the Israeli base in early March.
▪Iraqi state media reported in early March that a local shepherd reported unusual military activity including helicopter movements in the area of the Israeli base.

U.S. Knowledge and Involvement in the Operation

▪Israel built the military installation in the Iraqi desert with the knowledge of the United States.

Perspective of Iraq

▪Iraq's sovereignty was violated by the establishment of a foreign military installation on Iraqi territory without government authorization.

Perspective of United States

▪The United States approved or tolerated Israel's establishment of a clandestine military base in Iraq despite potential diplomatic complications with the Iraqi government.
▪The United States sought to avoid responsibility for the Israeli airstrikes against Iraqi troops by clarifying its non-involvement in those specific operations.