Newsweek

Top Iran, Iraq Diplomats to Meet After Back-to-Back Attacks on U.S. Troops

In a rocket attack at al-Asad airbase in western Iraq on Monday, two Katyusha rockets wounded at least five US servicemen, according to US officials.

The strike took place as the Middle East prepares for potential new attacks by Iran and its allies following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and leaders from Hezbollah last week.

Reuters

On Tuesday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iranian-backed militia, issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack, saying it was a retaliation for US support of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. In January, the group attacked a US base in Jordan, which killed three US servicemen.

Arab News

France 24

A US official said Monday's rocket attack followed a US strike last week on combatants who were launching drones that threatened American and allied troops. Iraqi sources reported four deaths in the first American strike in Iraq since February.

Yahoo! News

About 2,5K US troops remain in Iraq, with 900 in Syria. Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani has called for the US-led coalition in Iraq to leave to avoid regional tensions that could drag Iraq into a larger regional conflict.

The White House said it had briefed the president and vice president on the attack. The brief focused on Iran's and its proxies' threats to Israel and US military personnel in the region. The president determines which actions to take and when.

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The attack on Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq happened at a critical moment. The world is anticipating Iran's response to last week's deadly attack on the Hamas leader in Tehran, which Iran blames on Israel. The US is trying to persuade Iran to de-escalate to avoid a wider regional war. In the event of an Iranian attack, the US has maintained its unconditional support for Israel. At the same time, the US cannot accept terrorist attacks on its troops and reserves the right to respond in a manner and place of its choosing.

There is an 18% chance of a state-based conflict between Israel and Iran causing at least 1K deaths before 2025, as predicted by the Metaculus community.

Metaculus2

1,000 deaths from Israel/Iran Conflict

The US-Iran Conflict

Planet Lab, Inc / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

US personnel wounded in attack against base in Iraq, officials say

Iraq

Iran

Syria

Military

The attack on the Al-Asad Airbase on Monday by an Iran-aligned militia that injured five US servicemen is an alarming development, signaling a dangerous escalation and highlighting Iran's disruptive role in the region. The US remains steadfast in supporting Israel and its security against threats from Iran and its regional proxies. Authorities are actively pursuing the perpetrators and will ensure their accountability.

Seven US personnel injured in Monday rocket attack at Al Asad airbase in Iraq, including two evacuated for further care

The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to retaliate against Israel for the cowardly assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. The retaliation will be consistent with international law. Iran reiterates its commitment to not escalate regional tensions or crises.

Tasnim News Agency

Iran Will Certainly React to Israeli Crimes: President

Now is not the time to escalate tensions. The Iraqi government has urged all parties, including US forces and militias, to refrain from further violence. US strikes against groups they hold responsible are a flagrant violation of Iraq's sovereignty and do not help restore calm. Instead of targeting and bombing Iraq, the US should use its influence to persuade Israel to stop its offensive in Gaza. That would be a de-escalatory action.

US personnel wounded in attack against base in Iraq, officials say

US personnel wounded in attack against base in Iraq, officials say

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US personnel wounded in attack against base in Iraq, officials say

US personnel wounded in attack against base in Iraq, officials say

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