On Sunday, the US Embassy in Baghdad was attacked in what is being described as the largest attack in the area since 2010. According to the US military commander for the Middle East, there were 21 missiles fired that landed within the green zone. Initially, Iraq had reported there were only eight missiles fired. However, a review of the events revealed there were many more rockets fired at the US diplomatic facility.
In addition to the 21 rockets that fell within the embassy’s green zone, additional missiles were countered by the American C-RAM radar-guided defensive systems.
While no American was hurt during the attack, no group has taken responsibility and there seem to be conflicting ideas as to who is directly responsible. It is being reported that the missiles appear to have been supplied by the Iranians.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, General McKenzie said on Tuesday, “I do not know the degree to which Iran is complicit.” He added, “We do not seek a war, and I don’t actually believe they seek one either.”
Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State, put the blame on Iran-backed militias, putting pressure on Iraq to enact justice on these groups.
Donald Trump, following a White House meeting, sent out a tweet, “Our embassy in Baghdad got hit Sunday by several rockets. Guess where they were from: IRAN.” He also wrote, “Some friendly health advice to Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible.”
The attack on the embassy comes during a time when the Trump administration is seeking to put more pressure on Iran, while the Biden Administration is said to be planning on seeking diplomatic relations with Iran, and possibly revisiting the 2015 Iran nuclear “deal.”
