Iran Has ‘Shaky Foothold’ in Iraq

NICOSIA, Cyprus — Iran today said it captured a strategic island in the Shatt al Arab waterway and Iraq acknowledged that Iranian forces had established a “shaky foothold” across the wide river in an overnight offensive.

Iran said it captured the island of Umm al Rasas, located inside Iraqi territory, which is strategic “due to its important oil installations.” An Iranian military communique said its forces were “fully stationed in the island and are prepared to suppress any enemy counteroffensive.”