A senior Iraqi official states that Baghdad is preparing for war and expects to be attacked even if Iraq proves to be disarmed by the deadline of March 17 (26 Esfand) set by the United States and Britain. General Hosam Amin believes that the United States is determined to attack Iraq, and his country is preparing for any eventuality. General Amin mentions that the destruction of Iraq's prohibited Al-Samoud 2 missiles by Iraq itself undermines the country's ability to defend itself. However, he adds that Iraq possesses all the necessary defensive resources. General Amin also states that Hans Blix, the head of the UN weapons inspectors, may visit Baghdad on March 17, but did not provide details about this potential visit.
❓ Unknown
Baghdad Prepares for War - 2003-03-10
Feb 10, 2026
February 10, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
Baghdad is gearing up for potential military conflict as a senior Iraqi general expresses concerns over a possible U.S. attack, regardless of Iraq's compliance with disarmament demands. The situation is critical as the March 17 deadline approaches, and the Iraqi government is asserting its readiness to defend itself.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
Iraq's military preparations signal escalating tensions as the March 17 disarmament deadline approaches.
👥 Key Players
General Hosam Amin
MENTIONED
Senior Iraqi military official
"He represents the Iraqi government's military stance and readiness against potential U.S. aggression."
Hans Blix
MENTIONED
Head of UN weapons inspectors
"His role is crucial in assessing Iraq's compliance with disarmament and influencing international perceptions."
United States and Britain
MENTIONED
Key international actors demanding disarmament
"Their military actions and policies directly affect Iraq's sovereignty and regional stability."
📰 What Happened
Iraq is preparing for potential military conflict as a senior official expresses concerns over a U.S. attack, regardless of Iraq's disarmament status. The situation is tense as the March 17 deadline approaches for compliance with disarmament demands.
- Iraq has begun destroying its Al-Samoud 2 missiles to comply with international demands.
- General Amin asserts that Iraq is ready to defend itself despite disarmament efforts.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran is closely monitoring the situation as it could affect its own security and regional influence amid U.S. military actions.
🌍 Regional: The potential conflict could destabilize the Middle East, impacting neighboring countries and their security policies.
🌐 International: A U.S. attack on Iraq could reshape international relations and provoke responses from other global powers.
📚 Background
In the early 2000s, Iraq faced intense scrutiny over its weapons programs, leading to international demands for disarmament amid fears of potential conflict. The U.S. and its allies were preparing for military action based on claims of Iraq's non-compliance.
U.S.-Iraq relations
UN weapons inspections
📡 Source:
STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence:
70%
The article reflects the Iraqi government's perspective, which may downplay threats and emphasize readiness.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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