BAGHDAD – International media has reported deployment of Iranian ballisticmissiles in Iraq.

Iran has reportedly prepared a back up plan if Islamic Republic is attackedby enemies.

Iran has given ballistic missiles to Shi’ite proxies in Iraq and isdeveloping the capacity to build more there to deter attacks on itsinterests in the Middle East and to give it the means to hit regional foes,Iranian, Iraqi and Western sources said.

Any sign that Iran is preparing a more aggressive missile policy in Iraqwill exacerbate tensions between Tehran and Washington, already heightenedby US President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of a 2015 nuclear dealwith world powers.

It would also embarrass France, Germany and the United Kingdom, the threeEuropean signatories to the nuclear deal, as they have been trying tosalvage the agreement despite new US sanctions against Tehran.

According to three Iranian officials, two Iraqi intelligence sources andtwo Western intelligence sources, Iran has transferred short-rangeballistic missiles to allies in Iraq over the last few months. Five of theofficials said it was helping those groups to start making their own.

“The logic was to have a backup plan if Iran was attacked,” one seniorIranian official said.

“The number of missiles is not high, just a couple of dozen, but it can beincreased if necessary.”