Ciena Huawei Huawei Lancaster University This document explores the role of the IETF and IRTF in advancing Artificial Intelligence for network operations (AINetOps), focusing on requirements for IETF protocols and architectures. AINetOps applies AI/ML techniques to automate and optimize network operations, enabling use cases such as reactive troubleshooting, proactive assurance, closed-loop optimization, misconfiguration detection, and virtual operator assistance. The document addresses AINetOps for both single-layer IP or Optical networks and multi-layer IP/Optical networks. It defines the concept of AINetOps for networking and provides its operational benefits such as network assurance, predictive analytics, network optimization, multi-layer planning, and more. It aims to guide the evolution of IETF protocols to support AINetOps-driven network management.