Iran drones intercepted over Iraq have become a critical development in escalating regional tensions. Two drones launched from Iran toward Israel were shot down over Iraq by the US-led international coalition fighting the Islamic State, Iraqi military officials told AFP on Sunday, June 15.
The drones were taken down overnight between Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15, by coalition forces at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq, where foreign troops are stationed. One official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the drones were headed to Israel when intercepted. Another said the drones were engaged after crossing the coalition’s defensive perimeter, where forces have the authority to respond to threats.
This incident comes after Israel’s unprecedented airstrikes on Iranian soil on Friday, targeting military, nuclear, and residential sites. Iran responded by launching hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel. Some of these projectiles landed in Iraq, mainly in unpopulated desert areas, with no reported casualties.
Earlier, on June 13, coalition forces shot down an explosive drone at the same base, according to Iraqi sources.
Iraq’s government is balancing a complex role, maintaining close ties with Tehran while cooperating strategically with Washington. The US currently has about 2,500 troops in Iraq, fighting jihadist groups. Under an agreement, coalition forces plan to withdraw from federal bases by September 2025 and from the Kurdistan region by the end of 2026.
Meanwhile, Iraqi armed group Kataeb Hezbollah warned the US against direct involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, stating Iran can confront Israel without external help and threatening US military targets if America intervenes.
The interception highlights the fragile security situation in Iraq and the broader Middle East. The US-led coalition’s quick action against drones crossing into their airspace shows how volatile the region has become following recent attacks and counterattacks. Iraq remains a key area where competing interests meet, and the risk of further escalation is real.
