Israel's prolonged campaign against similar deployments in Syria is designed to prevent Iran from establishing missile sites in the country that would allow it to target Israel.

What Happened: Israel reportedly carried out two airstrikes against Iranian-linked targets inside Iraq on July 19 and July 28 to target advisers and missile shipments from the Islamic republic, Asharq Al-Awsat reported July 30.

Why It Matters: Israel has carried out similar operations against Iranian targets in Syria as it considers Tehran's presence in the country a security threat. The recent airstrikes come amid a buildup of Iranian missiles and proxy forces in Iraq. Future attacks, however, could risk a diplomatic crisis between Israel and Iraq and potentially push Baghdad toward Tehran.

Background: According to an August 2018 report, Iran has supplied Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units with ballistic missiles. Israel's prolonged campaign against similar deployments in Syria is designed to prevent Iran from establishing missile sites in the country that would allow it to target Israel.

Read More:

• The White House Path to Mideast Peace Travels Through a Single State (June 25, 2019)

• Increasing U.S. Sanctions Pressure Raises the Risks of Iranian Retaliation (May 16, 2019)

• The Suspected Sabotage of Oil Tankers Puts the Persian Gulf on High Alert (May 13, 2019)

Iraq: Israel Aircraft Reportedly Attacked Iranian-Linked Targets in Iraq is republished with the permission of Stratfor Worldview, a geopolitical intelligence and advisory firm.

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