A drone struck a major U.S. diplomatic compound in Baghdad on Tuesday as tensions continue to rise during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
According to a U.S. official and an internal alert from the U.S. Department of State, the drone impacted near a guard tower at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center, located next to Baghdad International Airport. Staff at the facility were instructed to “duck and cover,” but no injuries were reported and all personnel were accounted for.
Multiple Drones Reportedly Launched
The The Washington Post reported that six drones were launched toward the compound, with five intercepted before reaching the facility. The attack was believed to have been carried out by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions.
Iraq condemned the attacks near its military bases and said authorities would pursue those responsible.
Regional Conflict Intensifies
The incident comes amid a rapidly escalating conflict that began when Donald Trump ordered joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran has since launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, U.S. bases and allied facilities across the region.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned it could block oil shipments through the Gulf if the strikes continue, raising concerns about global energy markets.
Strikes Across the Region
Iranian forces also reported launching missiles toward the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and the Al Harir base in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, both used by U.S. forces. Drone attacks were also reported near the Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. naval base in Juffair, Bahrain.
The U.S. says its military campaign targets threats tied to Iran’s missile programs and support for militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
Iran has denied seeking nuclear weapons and called the U.S.-Israeli strikes an unlawful violation of its sovereignty, while both sides report rising civilian casualties as the conflict intensifies.
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