Reuters: Transfer of Iranian Ballistic Missiles to Iraq; Production by Shiite Groups

Reuters reported in an exclusive article published on Friday, September 9, that ballistic missiles from the Islamic Republic have been transferred to Iraq and efforts are underway to produce such missiles within the country. Citing Western sources, Reuters stated that 'it appears Iran is turning Iraq into its missile base.' These sources also indicated that the transfer of these missiles, which 'number in the dozens,' is seen as a message to the United States and Israel, especially following airstrikes against Iranian forces in Syria. The news agency also reported, citing Iranian and Iraqi sources, that Iranian officials decided about a year and a half ago to use their missiles in Iraq, but practical activities and 'the sending of launchers to Iraqi territory' have occurred in recent months. The Reuters report identified the locations for missile facilities that Iran plans to establish or expand in Iraq, including Zafaraniya in eastern Baghdad, Jurf al-Sakhar north of Karbala, and a site in the Kurdistan region. All three mentioned locations are under the control of Shiite militias, and according to Reuters, Iraqi forces have received necessary missile training in Iran. The agency identified Iranian missiles such as Zelzal, Fateh 110, and Zulfiqar as some of those transferred to Iraq. Noting the range of these missiles, which is between 200 to 700 kilometers, it stated that if these missiles are fired from southern or western Iraq, the capitals of Israel and Saudi Arabia would be within the reach of the Quds Force. The U.S. has designated the Quds Force, the IRGC's foreign branch, as a terrorist organization, and Qassem Soleimani, its commander, is also subject to U.S. Treasury sanctions. The report mentions that Qassem Soleimani has personally overseen the missile transfer program. No official representatives from the U.S., Iran, or Iraq were willing to comment to Reuters on this matter. However, an unnamed U.S. official told Reuters that Iran has transferred quantities of missiles to Iraq in recent months but could not confirm whether these missiles are in a launch-ready state. Israel and Saudi Arabia have not yet reacted to this report. Donald Trump, the U.S. President, announced on May 8 that the nuclear deal with Iran did not lead to improved global peace and that the Islamic Republic continued its 'missile activities and destabilizing actions in the region' after that, declaring Washington's exit from the JCPOA. European countries have also stated that while they remain committed to the continuation of the JCPOA, they share 'common concerns with the U.S. regarding Iran's missile activities and its actions in the region.' The exclusive Reuters report was published a day after the French Foreign Minister stated that Iran cannot avoid negotiations over concerns such as the future of the nuclear agreement, its ballistic missile program, and its role in Middle Eastern stability.