The Iraqi stance on Zionist aggressions against the Islamic Republic of Iran– the Twelve-Day War as a case study

Abstract

This research analyzes the official, political, and media stance of Iraq regarding the Zionist attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran during the twelve-day war in 2025, to clarify the nature of Iraq's foreign policy towards the crisis, and to demonstrate the extent to which media and political positions were consistent with the government's position and national and regional interests, and to reveal the limits of balance in the Iraqi position between external pressures and internal considerations. The research concluded that the Iraqi position was characterized by caution and balance, and the official discourse of the Iraqi government focused on restraint and avoiding escalating tensions in the region. Most Iraqi media showed sympathy for Iran and criticism of the Zionist aggression against it, and some newspapers took a neutral stance on the aggression.

Iraq demonstrated a full understanding and awareness of the importance of solidarity with Iran in confronting Zionist aggression, recognizing that the Zionist threat targets not only Iran but also Arab and Islamic national security in general. Iraq's stance on the Zionist entity's attacks on Iran was a continuation of its previous positions on Zionist aggression, reflecting consistency in Iraqi political and media discourse despite changing international circumstances. This Iraqi position highlighted the nature of Iraqi policy during a critical period in the Middle East, confirming that Iraqi policy will remain concerned with the Arab-Zionist conflict and that its positions will continue to be linked to national and religious considerations, regardless of its internal circumstances.