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In the event of a U.S. attack on Iraq, Iraq may strike its neighbors, Turkey and Kuwait - 2003-02-26

Feb 11, 2026 February 11, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Taha Yassin Ramadan, Iraq's Vice President, warns that Iraq may retaliate against Turkey and Kuwait if the U.S. attacks. He asserts Iraq's right to self-defense and labels any supporter of the U.S. as complicit. This statement reflects the heightened tensions in the region ahead of potential military action.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Iraq's warning highlights the potential for regional conflict in response to U.S. military actions.

👥 Key Players

Taha Yassin Ramadan MENTIONED
Vice President of Iraq
"As a high-ranking official in Iraq, his statements reflect the government's stance and potential military strategies in response to U.S. actions."
United States MENTIONED
Military power considering action against Iraq
"The U.S. is a key player in Middle Eastern geopolitics and its military actions can significantly impact regional stability."
Turkey and Kuwait MENTIONED
Neighboring countries to Iraq
"Both countries are strategically important in the region and could be affected by Iraq's military responses."

📰 What Happened

Iraq's Vice President warned that Iraq might retaliate against Turkey and Kuwait if the U.S. attacks Iraq. He emphasized Iraq's right to defend itself and labeled supporters of the U.S. as accomplices.

  • Taha Yassin Ramadan made the statements in an interview with a Moscow-based newspaper.
  • The warning reflects escalating tensions in the region ahead of potential U.S. military action.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran views U.S. military actions in Iraq as a threat and may see Iraq's potential retaliation as a way to counter U.S. influence.
🌍 Regional: The threat of Iraq striking its neighbors could destabilize the region further, impacting security and diplomatic relations.
🌐 International: The U.S. and its allies may need to consider the broader implications of their military strategies in the region, including potential retaliatory actions from Iraq.

📚 Background

In early 2003, tensions were high as the U.S. prepared to invade Iraq, leading to fears of regional instability and conflict.

U.S. invasion of Iraq Middle Eastern geopolitics
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
Statements from Iraqi officials may reflect the government's propaganda and should be interpreted with caution.

Taha Yassin Ramadan, the Vice President of Iraq, states that if the U.S. attacks Iraq, Iraq may strike its neighbors, Turkey and Kuwait. In an interview with a Moscow-based newspaper, Mr. Ramadan said that Iraq has the right to defend itself by any means necessary and that anyone who assists the Americans will be considered an accomplice of the U.S.

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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