Baghdad

Baghdad is the political and administrative center of Iraq, but in the context of regional security, it functions as a primary hub for the 'Axis of Resistance' proxies, including the Hezbollah Brigades (Kata'ib Hezbollah). The city's proximity to Iran and its role as a logistical base for Shiite militias make it a sensitive theater during periods of escalation. Historically, Baghdad has been a site of both internal power struggles and external military interventions. In the current security environment, the city often witnesses activity from Iranian-aligned groups that use Iraqi territory to project power or threaten Western and Israeli interests. During the June 2026 escalation between Israel and Iran, Baghdad emerged as a focal point for unverified reports of projectile launches and unexplained explosions, highlighting its role as a secondary front in the broader conflict. The presence of significant Iranian military and intelligence assets within the city, often embedded within local paramilitary structures, complicates the security landscape for both the Iraqi government and international actors. For Israel, Baghdad represents a source of potential long-range threats and a key link in the Iranian land bridge stretching from Tehran to the Mediterranean. Monitoring developments in Baghdad is essential for understanding the operational reach of the IRGC and its ability to mobilize Iraqi-based assets against the Jewish state.