Full Breakdown
Iran’s IRGC Deploys Covert Iraqi Cells for Drone Strikes on Gulf Allies
6/19/2026, 1:15:50 PM
Iran’s IRGC Deploys Covert Iraqi Cells for Drone Strikes
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) formed three to four cells in Iraq, each with ten fighters. From desert sites near Basra, Samawa, they launched seven drones between 20 April and 17 May. Attacks hit Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Air Base and a terminal at Kuwait International Airport; drones aimed at Saudi Arabia and UAE were intercepted. Iraqi officials are probing whether a May 17 drone ignited a fire at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE.
Shift in Iran’s Proxy Strategy
The move follows a contraction of Iran’s proxy network after 2023 Hamas-Israel war, Israeli strikes on Hezbollah, Western attacks on Yemen’s Houthis, and 2024 ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. With militias depleted and economy strained, Tehran favoured compact, controlled units for deniability.
Timeline of Attacks and Diplomatic Reactions
First launch on 20 April 2026. May 17 drone sparked a Barakah fire; Saudi Arabia intercepted three drones. In April, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and UAE summoned Iraq’s envoys. On 15 June 2026 Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met U.S. envoy Tom Barrack; two days later the United States and Iran signed an interim agreement omitting proxy provisions. In June, Shi’ite militias Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Imam Ali Brigades announced weapon surrender.
Official Statements & Responses
The U.S. State Department urged Iraq to dismantle all tools of Iran’s destabilising activities, including the IRGC and Iran-aligned militias. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi called the strikes criminal acts and pledged a joint inquiry with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to verify Iraqi involvement. Iran’s foreign ministry said support for “resistance groups” is non-negotiable.
Criticism & Opposition
U.S. officials repeatedly warned Iraq to disband armed groups on its soil. The June 17 interim deal omitted any clause on Iran’s proxy network, prompting Gulf criticism that it fails to curb destabilising activities. Shi’ite militias Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Imam Ali Brigades announced weapon surrender in June.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Iraqi investigators have not confirmed if the May 17 drone caused the Barakah fire. Sources could not verify the intended targets of the Saudi and UAE attacks. Chain-of-command details for the new cells remain limited, and Iran’s foreign ministry declined specific queries.
Verbatim Quotes
- “expectations that the Iraqi government take immediate measures to dismantle all the tools of Iran’s destabilising activities in Iraq to include the IRGC and Iran-aligned terrorist militias in Iraq.” — U.S. State Dept.
- “Tehran has said its support for "resistance groups" is not up for discussion in talks with Washington.” — Iranian Foreign Ministry
- “Zaidi condemned the two attacks, describing them as criminal acts, and promised a joint inquiry with both Gulf countries to verify whether Iraqi territory was used to target them.” — Ali al-Zaidi, PM
Outlook
Iraqi authorities will trace and neutralise the covert cells while coordinating with U.S. advisers on counter-drone capabilities. Ongoing monitoring of IRGC activity is crucial to prevent further incursions and preserve Iraq’s diplomatic engagement with Gulf neighbours.
