US slams Iran for Koya attack and their proxies for interfering in Iraq

UNITED NATIONS, New York — US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, presiding over a session of the Security Council on Thursday, lambasted the Iranian regime, specifically their destabilizing activities in Iraq via proxies and the Koya missile attack.

"Across the Middle East, Iran has trampled on the sovereignty of its neighbors," said Haley.

She mentioned Iraq 28 times in her statement. Previously, US diplomats have side-stepped Iran's role in Iraq; instead choosing to focus on places like Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon.

"Iranian proxies in Iraq operate openly, with funding, training, and weapons supplied by Tehran," Haley said.

There were reports that the Quds Force deployed ballistic missile launchers to Iraq, as well as setting up missile production factories. Haley did not confirm the reports, but referenced them.

Iran launched around seven short-range missiles at an Iranian Kurdish parties' complex in Koya, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, on September 8. The attack on the groups which oppose the Islamic Republic's regime killed 17 people and injured 46. 

"This was not an act of Iranian proxies but of the Tehran regime itself. It was Iran’s first direct military strike into Iraqi territory in over a decade," said Haley, reiterating the US stance of it being a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.

She said the act occurred "in clear defiance" of Security Council resolutions and therefore "should be of great interest" to its members.

Iraq is in the process of building a new government following elections. Both the United States and Iran have been accused of meddling.

In 2007, the Security Council passed a resolution banning Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force, from traveling outside of Iran. Repeated reports have put Soleimani in Kirkuk, Baghdad, and in Syria.

"Despite this unambiguous travel ban, Soleimani has practically taken up residence in Iraq since the May elections," said Haley.

Washington has called for Iraqi sovereignty, claiming it is not involved in government formation. Two distinct Shiite-party blocs emerged after the election — one is seen as closer to US interests, the other is Iranian and appears to be larger. Parliament is set reconvene by September 30 to present its largest bloc which will lead to a new prime minister.

"He is not there to help create a government in Baghdad that is responsive to the Iraqi people," said Haley. "He is there to build an Iraqi government that is under the control of the Iranian regime."

Haley confirmed reports that rockets were launched "by Iranian proxy groups" at the US Embassy in Baghdad and its Consulate General in Basra. 

"We hold the Iranian regime fully accountable for its proxies’ attacks on U.S. facilities and personnel in Iraq. And we will not hesitate to vigorously defend American lives," she said.

Haley is rotating president of the Security Council for September. Russia and Iran have accused the diplomat of using the presidency to grandstand and promote US policy in the United Nations.

The UN General Assembly will convene next week.