Iraqi Security Expert Warns U.S. Move on Strait of Hormuz Would Trigger Heavy Losses

Retired Lieutenant General Abdul Karim Khalaf cautioned that a U.S. military unit tasked with controlling the Strait of Hormuz would suffer heavy losses if it attempted to seize the strategic waterway. He stressed that any such military action would provoke a strong response.

Khalaf stated that Iraq’s Joint Operations Command has issued multiple warnings to the United States over what he described as repeated attacks on Iraqi Army positions and facilities belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). He noted that these incidents are contributing to escalating security tensions within the country.

He added that Iraq’s air defense systems are capable of intercepting and downing hostile aircraft, with the exception of stealth aircraft equipped with advanced evasion technologies.

According to Khalaf, PMF bases have increasingly become targets for both the United States and Israel, under the justification that they are “resistance factions,” despite being an official security institution within Iraq’s defense structure.

He also pointed out that the locations targeted in recent strikes—including Al-Hamra, Al-Karmah, Jurf al-Nasr, and Al-Qaim—are the same areas where some Sunni politicians had previously called for the withdrawal of PMF forces, highlighting the overlap between political and security dynamics in the issue.

Khalaf reiterated that any escalation in the Strait of Hormuz would carry severe consequences, warning of serious repercussions for regional security and stability.