An American embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, was targeted in a missile attack, resulting in visible smoke emanating from the premises. The strike reportedly disabled a portion of the building’s air defense system, hitting a helipad within the embassy compound, as confirmed by two security officials.
The missile landed inside the Green Zone, the heavily fortified area in central Baghdad that accommodates Iraqi government establishments and foreign embassies. The embassy, one of the largest US diplomatic facilities globally, has been a recurrent target of rocket and drone attacks by Iran-aligned militias.
In response to the escalating threats, the embassy heightened its security alert level for Iraq, citing previous assaults on US citizens, interests, and infrastructure by Iran and Iran-aligned groups. These groups have intensified their attacks on bases hosting US and coalition troops, with a recent drone strike in northern Iraq claiming the life of a French soldier and injuring several others.
Simultaneously, the US carried out a significant strike on Iran’s Kharg Island, described by President Trump as one of the most potent bombing operations in the region’s history. The attack, targeting various military installations on the island, did not damage any oil infrastructure, as reported by Iran’s Fars news agency.
President Trump, commenting on the operation on Truth Social, emphasized the strength and sophistication of US weaponry, asserting Iran’s inability to defend against US military might. He reiterated his stance on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and warned of decisive action if Iran interferes with the free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
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