Iran criticizes US deployment of Patriot air defense missiles in Iraq

A German soldier looks on as he shows how it works at the launching station of NATO's Patriot missile air defense system operated by German army unit Flugabwehrraketengruppe 26 (Air Defense Artillerie) placed at Sliac airbase in Sliac, central Slovakia, 10 May 2022. A Dutch-German air and missile defence forces deployed Patriot system in spring 2022 to reinforce defence capabilities on Eastern NATO border following Russia's military invasion in Ukraine, as mainly military mission is protection of Sliac air base and additional assets. NATO multinational air missile defence task force Slovakia operate on the site with 240 German soldiers and with 130 Dutch soldiers. EPA-EFE/MARTIN DIVISEK

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Iran has accused Washington of pushing the Middle East towards disaster following the deployment of Patriot air defense missiles to Iraq.

The Iranian foreign ministry condemned the move, stating that it goes against the wishes of the Iraqi government, parliament, and people.

In a statement, Iran called for a halt to "warmongering during the coronavirus outbreak" and cautioned that US military activities in the region could lead to instability and disaster.

The ministry also urged the US to respect the sovereignty of Iraq and leave the country.

While Washington had been in discussions with Baghdad regarding the deployment since January, it remains unclear whether the approval had been granted.

The Patriot system, known as Washington's primary anti-missile missile system, has been set up in locations like Ain al-Asad in western Iraq and a base in Arbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region.

Amidst these developments, Iraq's caretaker prime minister, Adel Abdel Mahdi, issued a warning against any "offensive military action without the approval of the Iraqi government," although he did not specifically reference the Patriot deployment.