The US embassy in Iraq was targeted Tuesday by a barrage of drones and rockets in what security officials described as the most "ferocious" assault since the regional conflict began last month. The attack, involving at least five drones and multiple rockets, comes as the war between the US-Israeli coalition and Iran enters a volatile new phase.
The strike on the heavily fortified Green Zone sent plumes of black smoke over the capital and triggered embassy air defense systems. While no casualties were immediately reported within the diplomatic compound, the assault followed a wave of violence across the city, including a drone strike on the luxury al-Rasheed Hotel and an airstrike that killed four people at a house allegedly hosting Iranian advisors.
Trump threatens NATO allies
In Washington, President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against European allies, warning that NATO faces a "very bad future" if member nations do not join a naval coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz. The vital oil shipping route has been paralyzed by Iranian mines and drone strikes, sending global crude prices soaring past $100 a barrel.
Trump expressed specific frustration with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stating he was "not happy" with London’s refusal to be drawn into a "wider war."
"It's only appropriate that the beneficiaries of the Strait help make sure nothing bad happens there," Trump told reporters. "I will remember the countries that don't help."
European pushback
The call for military intervention has met a cold reception in Europe:
- Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated firmly that the conflict is "not a matter for NATO," arguing the alliance’s mandate is strictly for territorial defense.
- United Kingdom: PM Keir Starmer emphasized that while the UK supports freedom of navigation, it will not participate in offensive operations or "regime change from the skies."
- Joint Warning: In a rare display of unified caution, leaders from the UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy issued a joint statement warning that an imminent Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon would have "devastating humanitarian consequences."
Strikes deep inside Iran
The diplomatic rift grows as Israel continues its "wide-scale wave of strikes" across Iran. Verified footage has emerged showing significant damage in Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz. Israeli military spokesmen claim they are identifying "new targets every day" to dismantle Iran’s drone and missile infrastructure.
With the UAE briefly closing its airspace this week due to regional threats, the conflict shows no signs of the "swift end" Chancellor Merz has called for, leaving the global economy—and the NATO alliance—in a state of high-stakes uncertainty. (with inputs from international news agencies)
.
