ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - A security expert on Tuesday warned that Iraq may be the next target of Israeli strikes following the attack in Doha that killed Hamas leaders.

Israel on Tuesday conducted airstrikes against Hamas officials in Doha in an unprecedented attack on the Palestinian militant group's leadership in the Qatari capital, ushering in a wave of regional and international condemnations.

Saif Raad, a security and strategic affairs expert, told The New Region that Israel’s operation in Qatar, despite the presence of a major US military base there and Washington’s close ties with Doha, shows that the US has given Israel “a green light” to attack leaders and headquarters even inside countries with American interests.

“It is important to expect an attack at any time in the coming period that targets leaders and headquarters of ‘resistance’ groups in Iraq,” Raad said. He added that Iraq “will not be far from the recent escalation” and is “very likely” to be Israel’s next target after Doha.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani spoke by phone with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani after the strike, stressing the need for urgent regional consultations.

Sudani condemned what he called “heinous Zionist aggression” against Qatar, describing it as a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty and a breach of international law and the UN Charter.

The Iraqi premier said the attack represents “a dangerous escalation” that threatens regional and global security, destabilizes the Middle East and risks “dragging it into dangerous paths.”

Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s solidarity with Qatar and support for its security and the safety of its people. He called for a responsible international position and proposed an emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers. He also suggested holding a summit of Arab and Islamic leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York later this month.

According to the statement, Qatar’s emir thanked Sudani for Iraq’s position and praised the depth of bilateral relations, highlighting Iraq’s “firm stance in supporting stability and regional security.”

The Iraqi foreign ministry also issued a statement condemning the Israeli strike on Doha, calling the attack a “cowardly act” and a “blatant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and territory.

“This attack exposes regional and international peace and security to further tension and escalation,” the statement said.

The ministry reiterated Iraq’s “firm position of standing by the government and people of Qatar” and pledged “full support in confronting any attack that undermines its sovereignty or threatens its national security.” It also urged the international community to take responsibility in stopping what it called “aggressive practices” by Israel.