Iraqi politicians are furious that Israel apparently struck munitions depots belonging to Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq last week. A statement released by the Iraqi Prime Minister’s office after a meeting with both President Barham Salih and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi declared, “All sides condemned this sinful aggression and the flagrant violation of Iraq’s sovereignty, and considered the attack on Brigade 45 of the PMF in Qaim in Anbar Province an assault on Iraq’s sovereignty.”

Certainly, the Pentagon seems to believe Israel’s actions are unhelpful. On Aug. 26, its spokesman released a statement declaring, “We support Iraqi sovereignty and have repeatedly spoken out against any potential actions by external actors inciting violence in Iraq. The government of Iraq has the right to control their own internal security and protect their democracy.”