Graham Arnold holed up in an Iraq hotel as Iran-Israel conflict explodes

A “safe, but unsettled” Graham Arnold is holed up in his Baghdad hotel, though the former Socceroos coach is unable to get out of Iraq, as missiles fly between Israel and Iran.

Former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold is holed-up in a high-security Baghdad hotel with friends saying he is “safe but unsettled.”

Arnold, the new Iraq national coach, is unable to leave the country with all flights grounded – with Baghdad’s airport now closed - after neighbouring Iran and Israel launched another round of missiles at each other.

An elite player and manager for 45 years, Arnold has been speaking to Australia’s ambassador to Iraq, Glenn Miles, three times daily.

This masthead spoke with Arnold in Baghdad on Sunday night but he was reluctant to discuss his situation and concerns.

Sydneysider Arnold has told friends he is nervous that the US Embassy, located just 500 metres across a river from his hotel, was shut down by President Trump last week.

It is understood Arnold hasn’t seen any missiles above Baghdad.

Arguably the Socceroos’ greatest coach, Arnold also told friends he would be deeply concerned if the fighting escalated into other countries in coming days.

Arnold had planned to remain in Iraq for a week after his team’s 1-0 win over Jordan last week but any immediate plans to leave Baghdad for Australia have now been halted.

Former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold took on the job of head coach of Iraq earlier this year. Picture: Richard Dobson

Concerned family members have been constantly contacting Arnold to monitor his safety.

A member of Arnold’s coaching staff, Zeljko Kalac, managed to secure a seat on the last flight out of Baghdad before the airport closed. He flew to Croatia.

Four other members of Arnold’s coaching team are also stranded in Iraq.

A close friend said: “‘Arnie’ is stuck in Baghdad, the airport is closed. He is safe but unsettled and uncomfortable. He is staying at a high-security Baghdad hotel. Iraq’s not involved in the conflict but are stuck in the middle.

“Graham isn’t saying much but the only worry is whether this could escalate to involve other countries. Hopefully the airport opens in the next 24 hours.”

Former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold is holed up an Iraq hotel. Picture: Getty Images

Arnold, 61, was named Iraq head coach on May 9 with the country midway through the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying rounds.

He was in the Iraqi hot seat for just a month weeks before fighting broke out between Iran and Israel.

Arnold plans on returning to Australia for a month in coming weeks before flying back to Iraq.

Iraq missed automatic World Cup qualification by one point and will now need to push through the playoffs.

Over the past two weeks, Iraq lost 2-0 to South Korea - they had a player sent off after 20 minutes - before beating Jordan in Jordan 1-0 last week.

Arnold was Socceroos coach for six years between 2018 and 2024 and led Australia to qualification at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar where they reached the round of 16.

He left the Socceroos job last September.

Originally published as Graham Arnold holed up in an Iraq hotel as Iran-Israel conflict explodes