CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie assessed that “Iran still pursues a policy of attempting to eject the U.S., and indeed our partners and allies from the region as well, and that's principally fought out in the battleground that is Iraq for them”. “Over most of 2020”, he added, “they thought they had a political solution to force the U.S. out of Iraq… that is no longer the case, it’s evident from the recent Strategic Dialogue and from other signals we receive from the Government of Iraq”. McKenzie went on to posit that “you might see kinetic events spring up as a result of that in Iraq. But that is different from the larger Iranian desire to avoid a state-on-state conflict with the U.S.”

Media reports citing Iraq security sources indicated that "at least three rockets landed in the perimeter of Baghdad International Airport".

U.S. CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie reported that “since the beginning of the year, Iranian-aligned militia groups (IAMGs) in Iraq and Syria likely conducted more than 50 improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi-operated, Coalition-contracted logistical convoys, and nine indirect fire attacks against U.S. diplomatic facilities or Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. and Coalition personnel”. McKenzie further noted that Iran “uses a combination of coercion and IAMG violence to bring about the removal of U.S. forces from Iraq, despite U.S. and Coalition forces being in Iraq at the request of the Government of Iraq (GoI). Iran’s political maneuverings toward this end have failed to date, while the U.S. and GoI continue strategic dialogue to maintain momentum in the Global Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS) campaign”.

Commenting on media reports of Iran-Saudi talks in Baghdad, Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson noted “conflicting quotes”, adding: “Iran has always welcomed dialogue with the Saudi kingdom and considered it in the interest of the peoples of the two countries as well as regional peace and stability. [Iran] will continue to think this way”.

Iraqi security sources confirmed that five rockets targeted Balad air base, injuring two. The U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition noted that “there are no Coalition/U.S. Forces stationed” at the base.

The U.S., along with France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, denounced “in the strongest terms the 14 April attacks in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region”. “We are united in our view that attacks on U.S. and Coalition personnel and facilities will not be tolerated and reiterate our steadfast commitment to the fight against ISIS”, the five countries noted.

Media reports citing Kurdish officials reported that “a rocket landed near a U.S. base at Erbil airport”. The Kurdistan Regional Government subsequently issued a statement indicating that the “Erbil International Airport attack was conducted by a drone [and] targeted the military section of the airport where U.S.-led coalition are stationed. No casualties… but damage caused to one warehouse”. The State Department’s spokesperson said he was “outraged by reports of attacks in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The Iraqi people have suffered for far too long from this kind of violence and violation of their sovereignty”.

President Rouhani spoke with Iraqi President Barham Salih and underlined that “strengthening the dignity, authority and independence of Iraq, and promoting the country’s regional and international position is especially important for us”. “We oppose any foreign interference in the internal affairs of Iraq and we consider it to the detriment of the country and the whole region, and believe that regional security should be ensured by the countries of the region”, Rouhani asserted, adding: “The Americans have always played a destructive role in the region, and the presence of American troops in the region has not helped to bring peace and stability in any way”.

The U.S. Intelligence Community’s 2021 Annual Threat Assessment asserted that “Iran will remain a problematic actor in Iraq, which will be the key battleground for Iran’s influence… and Iranian-supported Iraqi Shiite militias will continue to pose the primary threat to U.S. personnel in Iraq”. “The Iraqi Government almost certainly will continue to struggle to… control Iranian-backed Shiite militias”, the report added. “Iranian-backed Shiite militias are likely to continue attacks against U.S. targets… to press U.S. forces to leave if the Iraqi Government does not reach an agreement with Washington on a timetable for withdrawal”.

Iraq’s National Security Advisor met with senior Iranian officials in Tehran. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif contended that “foreign forces must leave the region” while affirming Iranian’s support for Iraq’s “independence, security, territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Iraq”. In a separate meeting, Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami asserted that “the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq within the framework of the wise legislation approved by this country’s parliament will help the establishment and improvement of security and stability in Iraq and the region”.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Iraqi counterpart convened for a U.S.-Iraq Strategic Dialogue. A joint statement noted that “based on the increasing capacity of the ISF [Iraqi Security Forces], the parties confirmed that the mission of U.S. and Coalition forces has now transitioned to one focused on training and advisory tasks, thereby allowing for the redeployment of any remaining combat forces from Iraq, with the timing to be established in upcoming technical talks”. The communique also noted Baghdad’s “commitment to protect the Global Coalition’s personnel, convoys and diplomatic facilities”.

The Iraqi military confirmed that two rockets landed near Balad air base; no casualties were reported.

During a visit to Saudi Arabia, Iraqi Prime Minister al-Kadhimi asserted that “we don’t accept or allow any aggression or attack on the kingdom of Saudi Arabia from Iraqi territories”, adding: “There were not any attacks from Iraq” against Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. State Department confirmed that it had extended Iraq’s sanctions waiver for Iranian energy imports by 120 days, adding: “The waiver ensures that Iraq is able to meet its short-term energy needs while it takes steps to reduce its dependence on Iranian energy imports”. 

The foreign ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS Small Group issued a communique reiterating “shared determination to continue the fight against Daesh/ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and to create conditions for an enduring defeat of the terrorist group”. The ministers expressed “unwavering commitment to continue close cooperation with and support to the Government of Iraq” and asserted that “attacks against Coalition forces and Iraqi partners, such as those that occurred in Erbil, Baghdad and al-Asad, are unacceptable and compromise our collective efforts at the expense of the people of Iraq”. The statement went on to say that “the Coalition stands with the Syrian people in support of a lasting political settlement in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The Coalition must continue to be vigilant against the threat of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations… to avoid security vacuums that Daesh/ISIS may exploit”.

The KRG confirmed multiple rockets targeting Peshmerga bases on the boundary of the Kurdish region.

Israel’s National Security Council released an assessment warning that “Iran will continue to operate in the near future to harm Israel targets”, noting the UAE, Bahrain and Kurdish areas in Iraq as theatres of concern. The NSC’s statement also noted that “officials in India have determined that Iran was behind the bombing” in January near Israel’s embassy.

Marking the second anniversary of ISIS’s territorial defeat, the U.S. State Department asserted that “our mission is far from complete. The Global Coalition remains united in its determination to see this enemy destroyed and will continue its efforts against the group in Iraq, Syria, and other countries”.

U.S. Special Representative for Iran Rob Malley indicated that “it’s not really helping the climate in the U.S. to have Iranian allies take shots at Americans in Iraq or elsewhere, and the U.S. will respond as it has responded and it will continue to respond”, adding: “If... these are [Iranian] tactics aimed at speeding things up, it’s hard to see how that is going to work”. Malley further noted that “the JCPOA has shown that it is fragile, and we believe it can be strengthened with a follow-on deal. And we will press Iran and try to convince Iran that it’s in their interest as well to get a follow-on deal… Of course, Iran will have issues that it will want to bring to the table.

Foreign Minister Javad Zarif remarked that “we are prepared to talk to our neighbours in the region. The UN can provide an umbrella under UNSC Resolution 598, which gives our neighbours in the southern Persian Gulf the assurance that there will be an international umbrella”. “Some of our neighbours in the Persian Gulf have always tried to buy security through proxies”, he argued. “Now they want Netanyahu to be their proxy... What Netanyahu will do is to bring the war to their territory”.

Iraqi security officials confirmed that multiple rockets had targeted Balad air base; no casualties were reported.

Iran’s UN envoy wrote to the UN Secretary-General maintaining that “Iran has not been directly or indirectly involved in any armed attack against any U.S. individual or body in Iraq... we deny any claim about our implicit or explicit involvement in attacks against American forces in Iraq”. He also deplored “the U.S.’s unlawful attack on 25 February against Iraqi forces along the Syrian border”, warning: “Such attacks only exacerbate the already tense situation of the region, and in effect only serve the interests of terrorist groups in these countries”.

President Rouhani asserted that “Iran is ready to resolve… [regional] crises in the form of regional cooperation and by strengthening the role of the United Nations”. “We are against foreign interference in Iraq’s internal affairs, deeming it to the detriment of Iraq and the region as a whole, and blaming Iran in the recent events in Iraq is not a constructive approach”, Rouhani added. “The Iranian government is suspicious of the recent attacks on coalition bases in Iraq, and has asked the Iraqi government to look into the matter”. Discussing the Yemen war, Rouhani reiterated that “there is no military solution to this crisis”, adding: “while proposing a four-article initiative, [Iran] has used its full capacity to advance UN efforts in Yemen, and it supports any attempt to put an end to the aggression against the Yemeni people”.

Speaking with Iraqi Prime Minister al-Kadhimi, President Rouhani asserted that “Iran’s [blocked] assets in Iraq should immediately be released”. He also contended that “the acceleration of implementing the Iraqi parliament’s resolution regarding expelling American troops from the country can help establish peace and stability in the country and the region”. “Regional issues and problems need to be resolved by regional countries themselves”, Rouhani emphasised, while voicing “Iran’s readiness for cooperation with regional countries… with the aim of preserving security and peace”.

The Pentagon confirmed that “approximately ten rockets” were fired at an Iraqi military base hosting U.S. forces; one U.S. civilian contractor died after “a cardiac episode while sheltering”. A U.S. diplomatic spokesperson maintained that “we have demonstrated our resolve to take necessary and proportionate action in self-defense where appropriate… we responded to recent attacks by Iran-backed militias on coalition U.S. forces in a manner that was calculated, proportionate and fully covered by legal authorities. I think you will see the same hallmarks of any forthcoming responses”.

Commenting on 25 February U.S. airstrikes against “infrastructure used by Iranian-backed militant groups” in eastern Syria, a U.S. military spokesperson reported that the operation had killed “one fighter and wounded two others, in addition to destroying nine buildings”. He emphasised that “this was really designed to do two things: to remove that compound from their utilisation of it as an entry control point from Syria into Iraq, and two, to send a very strong signal that we are not going to tolerate attacks on our people and on our Iraqi partners”. 

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein visited Tehran. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif told his counterpart that Iran denounced “the U.S.’s dangerous move to attack Iraqi forces in [the] border areas of Iraq and Syria”. Zarif also characterised “recent attacks and events in Iraq” as “suspicious”, contending that “they could be aimed at disrupting Tehran-Baghdad relations as well as security and stability in Iraq”. According to an Iranian readout, the Iraqi minister “expressed Baghdad’s readiness to facilitate Tehran’s access to its financial assets” and “gave assurances that the Iraqi government will not allow the recent incidents in Iraq to affect the very good relations between the two sides”.

The Pentagon confirmed that “at President Biden’s direction, U.S. military forces… conducted airstrikes against infrastructure utilised by Iranian-backed militant groups in eastern Syria. These strikes were authorised in response to recent attacks against American and Coalition personnel in Iraq, and to ongoing threats to those personnel”. “This proportionate military response”, the statement added, “was conducted together with diplomatic measures, including consultation with Coalition partners”, while noting: “We have acted in a deliberate manner that aims to de-escalate the overall situation in both eastern Syria and Iraq”. The Syrian government denounced the action as “a coward[ly] aggression”, while Iran’s foreign ministry referred to it as “illegal aggression” by the U.S.

President Biden spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister al-Kadhimi, reiterating “U.S. support for Iraq’s sovereignty and independence”. The two leaders further conferred on “the recent rocket attacks against Iraqi and Coalition personnel and agreed that those responsible for such attacks must be held fully to account”.

Citing Iraqi security sources, the spokesperson for the U.S.-led coalition indicated “that two rockets fell on the [Baghdad] Green Zone without causing casualties”. Media reports citing Iraqi officials suggested that “one rocket fell within the perimeter of the vast U.S. embassy complex”.

The Iraqi military confirmed that multiple rockets had targeted Balad airbase, injuring one person reportedly working for a U.S. contractor.

Meeting with the Qatari foreign minister in Tehran, President Rouhani asserted that “we remain committed to the Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE) initiative and believe that peace and stability in the region will not be achieved except through cooperation and dialogue between the countries of the region, and it is the countries of the region that must decide for their own”.

The U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition confirmed that three rockets had struck Erbil Air Base (EAB), out of fourteen launched. A spokesperson reported one fatality and nine injuries, including five U.S. nationals, one of whom was a service member. The State Department said it was “outraged” at the attack, while underscoring that “we reserve the right to respond at a time and place of our choosing, consistent with our partnership with the people and the government of Iraq”. Iraqi President Barham Salih described the incident as “a dangerous escalation and a criminal terrorist attack”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson asserted that Tehran “flatly condemns suspicious attempts to attribute the attack to Iran”, adding: “Iran regards Iraq’s stability and security as a key issue for the region and neighbouring countries, and dismisses any move that would disrupt tranquility and order in this country”. 

Unconfirmed media reports indicated that suspected Israeli drone strikes targeted “a weapons shipment making its way from Iraq to Syria”.

President Rouhani underlined that “Iran is ready to talk with all countries in the region and its neighbours, especially the Persian Gulf littoral countries, from Iraq to the six southern countries in accordance with UNSC Resolution 598, and settle regional problems and issues”. The following day, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif reaffirmed “readiness for engagement and cooperation towards shared goals and objectives with our neighbours”, while indicating: “Our consistent aim in all our endeavors has been to build a more stable, peaceful and prosperous region”. “I hope that our neighbours will have learned that they cannot bank on outsiders to provide them with security. We need to rely on each other as geography promises that we will remain neighbours forever”, he added.

Iraq’s foreign minister visited Tehran and met with senior Iranian officials. President Rouhani told him that “supporting stability, security, independence, territorial integrity, as well as dignity and authority of Iraq, and promoting its regional and international status are of special priority”. He further objected to “any foreign interference in the internal affairs of Iraq”. According to an Iranian readout, the foreign minister asserted that “Baghdad is persistently pursuing the withdrawal of foreign troops from Iran, and this is being done through negotiations and actions that have been taken”. In a separate meeting, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, contended that “the main cause of instability and crisis in the region is the evil presence of foreign forces, especially American forces”, while emphasising “the vitality of implementing Iraq’s ratified law about ousting the U.S. troops”.

The Iraqi military confirmed that three rockets had targeted Baghdad International Airport; no casualties were reported.

Foreign Minister Javad Zarif maintained that Iran would “respond positively to any initiative for regional dialogue advanced in good faith”. He also contended that “neither the U.S. nor its European allies have the prerogative to lead or sponsor future talks. Rather, the Persian Gulf region needs an inclusive regional mechanism to encourage diplomacy and cooperation and to lower the risk of miscalculation and conflict”. He further referred to Iran’s Hormuz Peace Endeavor (HOPE) proposal and said: “The invitation is still on the table”.

Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson condemned a suicide bombing in Baghdad claimed by ISIS, arguing: “Takfiri terrorism… is targeting Iraq again and seeks to disrupt tranquility and stability in this country and create a pretext for continued presence of foreigners”. He further maintained that “Iran stands ready to offer Iraq whatever help and assistance in the fight against terrorism and extremism”. The U.S. also condemned the attack, calling it “a reprehensible act of cowardice that underscores the dangers of terrorism that millions of Iraqis continue to face”.

The U.S. completed a troop level reduction to 2,500 in Iraq, which it described as “reflective of the increased capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces”. The Pentagon also reduced its force level in Afghanistan to the same number, maintaining that the action “is an indication of the U.S.’s continued support towards the Afghan peace process and our adherence to commitments made in both the U.S.-Taliban agreement and the U.S.-Afghanistan Joint Declaration”. “While the Department continues with planning capable of further reducing U.S. troop levels to zero by May of 2021, any such future drawdowns remain conditions-based”, the statement added.

The U.S. designated an Iraqi identified as “the former secretary general of Kataib Hizbollah”, a PMU militia, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). According to the State Department, the individual was “working in conjunction with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Quds Force to reshape official Iraqi state security institutions away from their true purpose of defending the Iraqi state and fighting ISIS, to instead support Iran’s malign activities”.

The U.S. designated the “Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Committee (PMC) Chairman… for his connection to serious human rights abuse”. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that “Iran-aligned PMC forces continue to wage a murderous campaign against political activists in Iraq… today’s action is a clear message that the U.S. stands with the Iraqi people in their pursuit of freedom, justice and democracy”. Iraq’s Foreign Ministry subsequently asserted that “the decision was an unacceptable surprise”, adding that it would “follow up with the current and new administration in Washington all decisions issued by the U.S. Treasury Department against Iraqi names”.

Prime Minister al-Kadhimi remarked that “it is truly regrettable that Iraq… has turned into an arena for settlement and challenges of a global and regional war on its soil. We have a duty to protect our country from the repercussions of this dangerous conflict”. 

The U.S. extended Iraq’s sanctions waiver for Iranian energy imports by 90 days.

Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson maintained that “the actions and moves and some mischief of the U.S. are not hidden from our eyes, and our intelligence, security and military services are fully aware of the seemingly secret moves of the U.S. in the region and Iraq”. “The messages have been clearly conveyed to Washington and the countries of the region”, he added, while reiterating “the role of the agents and allies of the Zionist regime [ie, Israel] can be seen in some tensions, especially in Iraq”.

The Iraqi military reported that it had dismantled a naval mine found attached to an Iraqi oil tanker.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted that “new intelligence from Iraq indicates that Israeli agent-provocateurs are plotting attacks against Americans – putting an outgoing Trump in a bind with a fake casus belli. Be careful of a trap, President Trump. Any fireworks will backfire badly”. An Israeli minister called Zarif’s claim “total nonsense”, adding: “It is a warning sign that Iran is taking aim at Israel looking for excuses to lash out at Israel, and therefore we need to have our finger on the pulse and be at the highest state of alert”.

Media reports citing Iraqi security officials indicated that “an improvised explosive device detonated near a convoy belonging to an Iraqi company providing logistical support to U.S. coalition forces”; “minor damage” was reported.

Iran wrote to the UN Security Council objecting to increased U.S. “military adventurism… in the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea”. “Coupled with a series of systematic disinformation campaign, unfounded accusations and inflammatory statements and threats… such confrontational measures have further deteriorated the already tense security environment of this highly volatile region”, the letter added. “If unchecked, such warmongering tendencies could escalate the situation to an alarming level, and it is self-evident that the U.S. shall bear the full responsibility for all consequences”. Relatedly, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif claimed that “intelligence from Iraq indicate plot to fabricate pretext for war”, asserting: “Iran doesn’t seek war but will openly and directly defend its people, security and vital interests”. Relatedly, media reports indicated that “the U.S. has seen increasing indications that Iran could be planning an attack against American forces or interests in the Middle East”, with an unnamed U.S. official describing Iran’s intentions as “difficult and at times unpredictable” to assess.

The Iranian ambassador to Iraq described bilateral relations as “constructive and positive in all areas… We will not interfere in the affairs of Iraq and we have never imposed our policies”. The ambassador further underscored: “Iran has never been involved in targeting the U.S. embassy… We do not support any side in targeting the U.S. embassy. We do not want Iraq to be a battleground for combating the U.S.”. He also suggested that “revenge for the assassination of General Soleimani is not a military action necessarily, rather, the expulsion of American forces from the region can be revenge for General Soleimani’s blood”. 

Media reports indicated that “a roadside bomb… hit a convoy carrying logistic support for the U.S.-led Global Coalition in Iraq”.

The Iraqi electricity ministry’s spokesperson reported that Iran had “reduced gas exports to Iraq to five million cubic metres from 50 million cubic metres” and informed Iraqi authorities about further cuts “to three million cubic metres”. “We strongly encourage Iraq’s finance ministry to resolve the unpaid bills with Iran to avoid critical shortages of power supplies in Baghdad and other cities”, he added. The following day, the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) confirmed that Iraq owed Iran $6 billion in either unpaid or frozen payments. During a 29 December visit to Baghdad, Iran’s energy minister met with his counterpart and the two sides reached an agreement seeing Iran “urgently resume gas pumping”; the Iranian minister also revealed that “good agreements were reached… to withdraw Iranian funds from Iraq to pay for the purchase of the coronavirus vaccine from Europe using Iran’s existing financial resources in Iraq”. “We hope to use our existing financial resources in Iraq more quickly to purchase basic goods and other needed items in the near future”, he further indicated.

An Israeli military spokesperson was cited as indicating that “Israel is monitoring Tehran’s movement in the region and expects that an Iranian attack could come from Iraq and Yemen… as Iran’s second circle after Lebanon and Syria”. “Iran has developed a wide range of capabilities in the area – and specifically in Iraq and Yemen – that include advanced drones and remote-guided missiles, which they manage to operate without detection”, he added. “Everyone should be on high alert regarding the Iranian threat… considering the many blows Iran has received in the past year without being able to properly respond”. A Huthi official subsequently warned that if Israel “makes any reckless move or action that affects Yemen, then any interests of this entity or its partners in the Red Sea will be a legitimate target”. An Iranian official also told media that “Tehran’s response to any attack on national security will be strong and wide”, assessing that Israel “is looking for excuses to drag the region into tension that will create chaos”.

Media reports indicated that IRGC Quds Force Commander Qaani had visited Baghdad and met with senior Iraqi officials.

President Trump tweeted that “our embassy in Baghdad got hit Sunday by several rockets. Three rockets failed to launch. Guess where they were from: IRAN. Now we hear chatter of additional attacks against American in Iraq”. “Some friendly health advice to Iran", Trump added. “If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible”. Relatedly, U.S. Central Command issued a statement asserting that the attack “was almost certainly conducted by an Iranian-backed rogue militia group”, adding: “These groups are Iranian-backed because Iran provides both material support and direction. They are rogue because they are actually acting on behalf of Iranian interests and direction in a direct betrayal of Iraqi sovereignty”. The statement went on to warn that “the U.S. will hold Iran accountable for the deaths of any Americans that result from the work of these Iranian-backed rogue militia groups”. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said Trump had referred to “a worthless photo to recklessly accuse Iran” and warned that “Trump will bear full responsibility for any adventurism on his way out”.

Media reports indicated that senior U.S. officials convened and developed options for “deterring any attack on U.S. military or diplomatic personnel in Iraq” following a 20 December rocket attack in Baghdad. An unnamed official said with respect to the proposals due to be submitted for President Trump’s consideration: “Each one is designed to be non-escalatory and to deter further attack”. 

CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie assessed that “we remain in a period of heightened risk… I would just emphasise this key point: We’re not looking to escalate ourselves. We’re not looking for war with Iran, I really want to emphasise that”, adding: “It is my belief that Iran doesn’t want a war with the U.S. right now”. McKenzie also noted that “launching over 20 rockets at the U.S. embassy [in Baghdad] is certainly an escalation”.

CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie contended that “the Iranians have never doubted our capability to respond...But they’ve often doubted our will to respond. I think that the Soleimani episode last January sort of set them back and they had to recalculate the will of the U.S.”. He further opined that “the death of Soleimani unhinged Iran’s ability to direct these [Iraqi militia] units forcefully… there’s actually a lot more dissonance between these groups and among these groups as they go forward”. This was “not necessarily a bad thing”, McKenzie said, though “it also opens the door for people to make an unapproved attack”.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei remarked that “the lifting of sanctions is in the hands of the enemy, but nullifying them is in our hands… of course we do not mean that we should not seek to have the sanctions lifted, because if the sanctions can be lifted, we should not hesitate for even an hour”. Khamenei also predicted “severe slaps to come”, referring to “expelling the U.S. from the region”; he further indicated that “revenge must be taken on those who ordered the [January 2020] murder of General Soleimani as well as those who did it”. “Do not trust the enemy”, Khamenei warned. “The hostilities are not particular to Trump’s America for this to end when he leaves office”.

Media reports indicated that “two convoys transporting logistical equipment for the U.S.-led coalition… were targeted with roadside bombs”.

Media reports citing an unnamed U.S. defence official indicated that “Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have moved to a ‘heightened level of preparation’”, though “there are no specific indications that any decision to attack has been made”.

Marking “the third anniversary of the defeat of ISIS”, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq underscored “the need to remain vigilant to ensure that the defeat of ISIS is a permanent defeat” and noted that the U.S. was “moving to the next phase of our mission in Iraq, where the U.S. is reducing its military presence while the Iraqi security forces are increasingly taking the lead in the fight against ISIS remnants”.

Iran’s ambassador to Iraq confirmed that IRGC Quds Force Commander Qaani had visited Baghdad to meet with Prime Minister al-Kadhimi, President Salih and other senior Iraqi officials, highlighting that Qaani “continues the same mission pursued by his predecessor General Qassem Soleimani”. The envoy insisted that “Iran’s movements in Iraq have taken place in the context of strengthening the government and encouraging political factions and movements to integrate”. He further described “the U.S. presence as the source of threats to the region… [which] must end with the withdrawal of U.S. forces”, adding: “Resistance groups have a serious problem with the Americans. Trump should not threaten or provoke anyone… If they act against the resistance groups, [the resistance groups] will surely respond”.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo named “two missions” for the U.S. in Iraq: “Continue the campaign to make sure that ISIS doesn’t raise its ugly head again, and second, to work to make sure that the leadership in Iraq was on the right mission, was focused on its independence and sovereignty and the freedom to be out from under the jackboot of the Iranian regime”. Pompeo further noted that “Iraq’s leadership has a responsibility to my team, to our diplomatic team, and to those… who have embassies in the Green Zone as well, to do the hard work to make sure that those diplomatic posts are safe and secure. And when they can do that, we’re happy to be present and to work. When they can’t, we’re going to do the right thing for our own security posture, all the while making sure that we are fully committed to the sovereignty and independence of Iraq”.

Reacting to media reports regarding a U.S. decision “to withdraw some staff from its embassy in Baghdad”, a U.S. diplomat maintained that “the State Department continually adjusts its diplomatic presence at embassies and consulates throughout the world in line with its mission, the local security environment, the health situation and even the holidays”.

Media reports citing Iraqi officials indicated that “an air strike killed a commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards at the Iraq-Syria border” along with three individuals accompanying him; the vehicle was said to have been “carrying weapons across the Iraqi border”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson subsequently indicated that the news “seems more of a media propaganda”.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo indicated that “we want a free, independent Iraq.  You can see it.  You can see it in the protests in Iraq…  They don’t want to be under the jackboot of the Islamic Republic of Iran”.  He further remarked that “we have been in Iraq to do two things:  to defeat the caliphate, which we are now complete with, to continue our effort to make sure that ISIS doesn’t arise again and pose risk to the American people; and second, we’re working to help build out Prime Minister Kadhimi and his team so that they can be free, independent and sovereign in exactly the way the Iraqi people are demanding”.

The State Department confirmed that the U.S. had “renewed the sanctions waiver for Iraq to engage in financial transactions related to the import of electricity from Iran” for 45 days. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo subsequently explained that “we’ve made clear there were higher expectations for progress with Iraqis, in this case, mostly energy from a dollar perspective… where we said, ‘OK, we’ll give you this waiver, but you must invest, you must begin to create systems and processes so that you will become more free, more independent from Iranian energy’”. “We’ve made real progress there over the last 20-21 months, there’s obviously more work to do… We will, again, evaluate whether Iraq has made sufficient progress, and we’ll try to get the balance just right then as well”, Pompeo added.

CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie discussed­ what he termed Iran’s “aspirational goal to eject the U.S. from Iraq”, stating: “One of the reasons the Iranian regime paused its attacks against us was based on the hope that we would be asked to leave Iraq through the government of Iraq’s political process. And despite intense pressure from Iran’s supporters and allies in Iraq, the government of Iraq has clearly indicated it wants to maintain its partnership with U.S. and coalition forces as we continue and finish the fight against ISIS”.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s office reported a call with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, with the two discussing “bilateral relations, developments in the region and future cooperation between Iran and the [Counter-ISIS] Coalition in the light of Iraq’s growing counter-terrorism capabilities”.

The Iraqi defence minister visited Tehran and met with senior Iranian officials. Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami told his counterpart that Iran “is prepared to strengthen Iraq’s defence power and meet the needs of Iraqi armed forces”. He also argued that “achieving stability and peace in the region would be impossible with the presence of extra-regional forces”. In turn, the Iraqi minister maintained that his visit aimed “to strengthen and enhance the bilateral relations and get acquainted with Iran’s scientific and technological achievements and experiences in the defence industry”. He also thanked Iran for “advisory and arms assistance in the battle against the ISIS terrorist group”, while voicing interest to “expand interaction with Iran in order to increase the capabilities of… [Iraqis] armed forces with the purpose of eradicating the remaining terrorist groups”.

The Iranian Law Enforcement Force reported a clash between Iranian guards and “armed counter-revolutionary elements” in north-western Iran, which caused three fatalities and two injuries. The following day, the IRGC announced that it had “targeted the positions of the counter-revolutionary terrorist groups on the other side of the north-western borders… inflicting heavy losses and casualties”.

Facebook announced that it had “removed twelve Facebook accounts, two Pages and 307 Instagram accounts linked to individuals associated with EITRC, a Tehran-based IT company. This activity originated in Iran and targeted primarily Israel, and also Iraq”.

The U.S. Treasury Department designated “five Iranian entities for attempting to influence elections in the U.S.”, including the IRGC and Quds Force. The U.S. additionally designated Iran’s ambassador to Iraq, asserting that he had “helped direct a variety of IRGC-QF activities in Iraq for many years, including training and providing support for Iraqi militia groups and facilitating large-scale financial transactions involving the IRGC-QF”. The Iranian Foreign Ministry subsequently sanctioned the U.S. ambassador to Baghdad and two other U.S. diplomats in Iraq. 

The U.S. Justice Department announced that Washington had “seized… two websites that were unlawfully utilized by Kataib Hizbollah”.

The U.S. ambassador to the UN told the Security Council that “Iran continues to support local militias, in violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and Resolution 2522”. She further argued that “these militias are responsible for targeting and murdering peaceful Iraqi protestors, civil society activists and members of the media. Iranian-backed militias continue to target U.S. and other diplomatic facilities, placing American diplomats and Iraqi civilians in harm and jeopardising the ability of the U.S. to fully assist the Iraqi government and people”.

The U.S. State Department denounced “the massacre of innocent civilians by Iran-backed militias in Salah al-Din governorate. This occurred within hours of an attack by Iran-backed militias on the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s branch office in Baghdad”. “The government of Iraq needs to immediately exert control over the Iran-backed militias who are lawlessly attacking religious and ethnic minorities, peaceful protesters and activists, political party headquarters and diplomatic missions”, said a spokesperson, who further warned that “the actions of these groups are preventing the international community from helping Iraq and are leading Iraq towards sectarian violence and instability”.

Iran’s central bank chief announced that Tehran and Baghdad had “reached good agreements to release the financial resources of the central bank [held in Iraq] and use it to secure the import of essential goods” to Iran.

Media reports citing the Iraqi military indicated that “a roadside bomb targeted a convoy that was transporting equipment for the U.S.-led coalition, damaging one vehicle”.

The “Coordinating Body of the Iraqi Resistance” made up of Iraqi militias announced “the cessation of its operations against foreign, especially American forces and interests in Iraq”. A spokesperson for Kataib Hizbollah maintained that “the truce came after major personalities intervened and mediated in order to persuade these factions to stop the bombing operations until the end of the American election”. He also emphasised that “if America insists on staying and doesn’t respect the parliament’s decision then the factions will use all the weapons at their disposal”. Reacting to the announcement, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on October 14 remarked that “we are happy that the Iraqis are doing more to provide increased security for our team on the ground there”, adding: “Our mission is clear. We’ve been there to try and help build out a sovereign, independent, free Iraq capable – with a capable economy, capable set of resources. It’s what the Iraqi people want, and I think the Iraqi people have come to understand that the malign activity that the Iranians are engaged in, including through the proxy forces… I think the Iraqi people understand who’s the force for good in the region”.

Two rockets landed near Baghdad International Airport. Later in the day, two more rockets fell near the Green Zone. No casualties were reported in either incident.

According to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called his Iraqi counterpart to discuss, inter alia, “the U.S. administration’s initial decision to withdraw the embassy from Baghdad”. The Iraqi foreign minister “expressed concern about this decision”, arguing that it “may lead to results that are not in the interest of the Iraqi people”. He further “confirmed that the Iraqi government has taken a number of security, organisational, political and diplomatic measures to stop the attacks on the Green Zone and the airport, and there will be tangible positive results in the near future”.

The Iraqi military reported that “a convoy that was transporting the international coalition[’s] equipment… was subjected to an unexploded guided missile attack”; no casualties were reported.

A senior U.S. diplomat asserted that “we can’t tolerate the threats to our people, our men and women serving abroad. And we will not hesitate to take action when we deem it necessary to keep our personnel safe”. He further posited that “the single biggest problem in Iraq is the Iranian-backed militias that are undermining stability there and attacking the U.S... These groups continue to launch rockets at our embassy, attack American and other diplomats, and threaten law and order in Iraq in general”. “We look forward to continuing to work with our Iraqi partners to keep our personnel at our facilities safe”, the official also noted.

The Interior Ministry of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG) confirmed that six rockets targeted Erbil International Airport. The U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition reported that “indirect fire did not land on Coalition Forces… There was no damage or casualties”. The region’s prime minister declared: “the KRG will not tolerate any attempt to undermine Kurdistan’s stability and our response will be robust”.

Prime Minister al-Kadhimi told foreign diplomats that “those who carry out attacks on foreign missions are seeking to destabilise Iraq and sabotage its regional and international relations”, adding that “the government will deal with outlaws and will protect its guests”. In a joint statement, the diplomats said they had voiced “deep concern at the rise in the number and sophistication of attacks against diplomatic premises in Iraq”, and acknowledged “the actions that Prime Minister al-Kadhimi and his government have taken to address these concerns”. “We expressed our support for further measures to improve security in Baghdad”, they further noted.

Media reports citing the Iraqi military indicated that “a roadside bomb targeted a convoy carrying materials for the U.S.-led coalition… south of Baghdad”; no casualties were reported.

Iraqi leaders affirmed that the “declaration of war is the prerogative of the Iraqi legislative and executive power… no other party is entitled to declare the state of war or to act on the basis of the state of war inside the Iraqi territories”. “Iraq refuses “to be a staging post for any hostile action against any of our neighbours”, they indicated, further declaring that “acts of outlaw groups acting against the country’s security are a serious threat to Iraq security and stability. Therefore, the need has emerged to make more concerted efforts at all levels in addition to having an effective presence of the different political powers to face this escalation and support the Iraqi government’s efforts”. The leaders also underscored “the Iraqi government’s efforts to monopolise the arms by the state and to prevent the targeting of diplomatic missions”, according to the president’s office.

Media reports citing the Iraqi military indicated that two rockets struck a residence near Baghdad International Airport, causing five fatalities and two injuries. The U.S. diplomatic spokesperson stated that “we are outraged” by the attack, and urged “Iraqi officials to take immediate action to hold the perpetrators accountable”. She further reiterated that “the actions of lawless Iran-backed militias remains the single biggest deterrent to stability in Iraq. These militias pose an unacceptable danger to everyone in Iraq, from diplomatic officials and facilities to Iraqi activists and families”.

Media reports citing unnamed officials indicated that Washington had informed Baghdad that “if the U.S. presence continues to be targeted, measures would be taken to close the embassy and a ‘strong and violent’ response would follow against the groups responsible for the attacks”. The State Department indicated that “we have made the point before that the actions of lawless Iran-backed militias remains the single biggest deterrent to stability in Iraq… It is unacceptable for Iran-backed groups to launch rockets at our embassy, attack American and other diplomats and threaten law and order in Iraq”. An Iraqi spokesperson subsequently asserted that “the withdrawal or closure of any diplomatic mission for any country will have disastrous repercussions on the entire region”, while emphasising: “the government has taken numerous measures to secure diplomatic missions”.

Media reports citing the Iraqi military indicated that “a contractor convoy transporting equipment for the U.S.-led coalition was damaged by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Dhi Qar governorate”. Another blast hit a convoy in Babil governorate. The following day, a roadside bomb reportedly “targeted a convoy carrying materials destined for U.S. forces south west of Baghdad”.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hossein visited Tehran and delivered a message from Prime Minister al-Kadhimi to President Rouhani, which, according to an Iraqi readout, “focused on developments in the region, and a review of the most important expected possibilities, and their implications”. Rouhani remarked that “we stand with the government and people of Iraq to contribute to the unity and cohesion of Iraq”, further asserting: “we consider the presence of American armed forces in the region, whether in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Persian Gulf’s southern countries, detrimental to regional security and stability”. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif noted “attacks carried out against Iranian diplomatic locations and highlighted the necessity of guaranteeing the dignity and security of Iranian diplomats in Iraq”, while denouncing “any assaults on diplomatic places”, which he described as “unacceptable”.

The State Department confirmed the extension of sanctions waivers for Iraqi imports of Iranian energy by 60 days. “We believe that it is possible within the 60 days for the Government of Iraq to take meaningful actions to promote energy self-sufficiency and reduce its dependence on expensive Iranian energy”, a spokesperson noted.

Media reports indicated that “a roadside bombing targeted a convoy belonging to an Iraqi company ferrying materials for the U.S. coalition”.

Media reports citing the Iraqi military indicated that “three mortar shells hit inside the Green Zone in central Baghdad”, causing no casualties.

Media reports citing the Iraqi military indicated that “a roadside bomb exploded… near a convoy of trucks carrying equipment belonging to the U.S.-led coalition forces in Salahuddin province”, injuring an Iraqi soldier.

Citing Iraqi security sources, the spokesperson for the U.S.-led coalition reported that “a Katyusha rocket fell inside the Green Zone, specifically near a residential apartment. There was no damage or casualties reported”. “Outlaw groups continue to target Iraqis”, he added.

The British embassy in Baghdad confirmed that one of its vehicles “was struck by a roadside IED… There were no casualties”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson subsequently “condemned any attack or assault against diplomatic missions, calling on the Iraqi government to intensify and step up the protection of diplomatic places and guarantee the normal activity of diplomatic missions”.

Media reports citing the Iraqi military indicated that “roadside bombs targeted the convoys of trucks carrying the international [U.S.-led] coalition’s equipment” in two separate incidents in southern and central Iraq, causing no injuries or damage. Separately, two rockets targeted Baghdad’s Green Zone; the air defence system at the U.S. embassy reportedly downed one of them.

Media reports citing the Iraqi military indicated that “a roadside bomb exploded… near a convoy of trucks carrying equipment belonging to the U.S.-led coalition forces” in Salahuddin province, wounding a driver and damaging a vehicle.

A rocket landed near Baghdad International Airport; no casualties were reported.

CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie reiterated that “Iran has an objective of ejecting the U.S. from the theater, from the region. And they see Iraq as a principal battleground for that… I think they’ve been thwarted in that goal”. He also noted that “their rogue militia groups continue low-level attacks against us… but I think we have what we need to maintain a rough deterrent against Iran really across the theater”. Discussing rocket attacks in Iraq, McKenzie noted that “we’ve been lucky that none of them have caused any U.S. casualties and no significant Iraqi casualties. Most of them have not fallen within our bases”, adding that “what I would characterise as low-level actions against us could change in the future because there are certainly a lot of sophisticated weapons in Iraq that Iran has pushed in to their surrogates across the country”.

CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie announced that “in recognition of the great progress the Iraqi forces have made and in consultation and coordination with the Government of Iraq and our coalition partners, the U.S has decided to reduce our troop presence in Iraq from about 5,200 to 3,000 troops during the month of September”. “This reduced footprint”, he added, “allows us to continue advising and assisting our Iraqi partners in rooting out the final remnants of ISIS in Iraq and ensuring its enduring defeat”.

Media reports citing the Iraqi military indicated that “a security member was killed, three others and a truck driver were wounded… in two roadside bomb explosions targeting convoys of trucks belonging to the U.S.-led coalition in south and north of Baghdad”.

Media reports citing the Iraqi military indicated that a “roadside bomb went off [in Baghdad] near a vehicle belonging to an Iraqi security company contracted with the international coalition to escort its trucks”, injuring two. The following day, three rockets fell inside Baghdad International Airport, causing some material damage.

The U.S. Justice Department confirmed that it had seized “two websites, which were unlawfully utilised by Kataeb Hizbollah, a Specially Designated National (SDN) and a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO)”.

Media reports citing the Iraqi military indicated that a “civilian convoy… carrying supplies for the U.S.-led coalition forces in southern Iraq” was targeted by an IED, wounding one civilian. The following day, another blast struck an Iraqi convoy, and a British security company’s facility in Baghdad was reportedly hit by a rocket.

Syrian state media reported Israeli airstrikes “from the side of al-Tanf into the direction of T-4 airport” near Homs, causing material damage but no casualties. Media reports indicated that additional suspected Israeli strikes targeted sites in Deir al-Zour province, purportedly killing “sixteen Iraqi paramilitary fighters loyal to Iran”.

One rocket was fired into Baghdad’s Green Zone. There were no reported casualties. The following day, two additional rockets landed close to the city’s airport. 

One rocket struck Baghdad’s Green Zone. There were no reported casualties. 

The UN confirmed that “an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated… in Ninewa Governorate, impacting a passing UN vehicle. One World Food Programme (WFP) staff member was hurt”. In a 5 September statement referring to the incident, the UN underscored that it “is present in Iraq at the request of the government of Iraq”, adding that “any claims of UN bias towards other organisations or individual member States are entirely baseless”.

Media reports citing Iraqi officials indicated that “a roadside bomb exploded… near a convoy of trucks carrying equipment belonging to the U.S. troops” outside Baghdad; no casualties were reported.

The U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition handed over “the coalition area of Camp Taji, Iraq, to Iraqi Security Forces”, noting that “the movement of coalition military personnel is part of a long-range plan coordinated with the government of Iraq”.

Media reports citing the Iraqi military indicated that a roadside explosion near Baghdad hit a convoy “carrying logistical equipment belonging to the U.S.-led coalition”, killing one. The following day, another blast struck a convoy in Baghdad; no casualties were reported.

Speaking alongside Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, President Trump discussed rocket attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq and maintained: “we take care of those attacks, and we take care of them very easily. Nobody has the weaponry we have… When somebody hits us, we hit back hard than they hit us”. Trump also asserted that “we have been taking our troops out of Iraq fairly rapidly, and we look forward to the day when we don’t have to be there. And hopefully Iraq can live their own lives and they can defend themselves… We’ll be leaving shortly”. The bilateral meeting was concluded by a joint statement.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that “we are outraged by the targeted assassinations of civil society activists and attacks on protesters in Basra and Baghdad… We urge the government of Iraq to take immediate steps to hold accountable the militias, thugs and criminal gangs attacking Iraqis exercising their right to peaceful protest”.

The U.S. and Iraq held  Strategic Dialogue meetings in Washington. During the visit, Iraqi officials inked “substantial energy agreements with U.S. companies”, and the two sides issued a joint statement. In a press conference alongside his Iraqi counterpart, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasised that “we’re committed to helping Iraq achieve economic prosperity, freedom from foreign meddling in its internal affairs and improved relationships with its neighbors as well”. Pompeo also asserted that “armed groups not under the full control of the prime minister have impeded our progress. Those groups need to be replaced by local police as soon as possible”. In turn, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein maintained that “we want to have good relations with our neighbors, provided that nobody interferes in Iraq’s affairs and the Iraqi decision will be made by the Iraqis, and we want to protect our alliances and relations with others, including the United States of America”.

A rocket hit the vicinity of Baghdad International Airport; no major damage was reported.

A rocket landed inside Baghdad’s Green Zone. There were no reported casualties.

The U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition announced that it had “transferred approximately 50 ammunition storage bunkers and associated secure facilities [at Camp Taji] to full Iraqi control”, noting that “these military movements are long-planned in coordination with the government of Iraq”. “The coalition continues to maintain a small presence at Taji to coordinate logistics and security operations with the Iraqi Security Forces”, the statement added.

Two rockets targeted Camp Taji. There were no reported injuries.

Three rockets targeted Baghdad International Airport and fell close to a military facility hosting U.S. troops; No casualties were reported. The same day, media reports citing Iraqi military sources suggested that “a roadside bomb explosion hit a truck belonging to the U.S.-led coalition forces… in southern Iraq”.

Three rockets targeted Balad air base. There were no reported casualties.

CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie indicated that “we remain focused on Iran as our central problem. This headquarters focuses on Iran, executing deterrence activities against Iran… The threat against our forces from Shiite militant groups has caused us to put resources that we would otherwise use against ISIS to provide for our own defense and that has lowered our ability to work effectively against them”.

An explosion hit a U.S.-led coalition convoy near Taji. The same day, a rocket targeted Baghdad’s Green Zone. There were no reported injuries in either incident.

A rocket targeted Baghdad’s Green Zone; there were no reported casualties. 

Media reports citing the U.S.-led coalition indicated that an “Iraqi convoy carrying U.S. army logistics was hit” by an IED. There was “no serious damage”. 

Media reports indicated that airstrikes in Syria’s Deir el-Zour province “destroyed positions, bases and weapons warehouses” and purportedly killed “fifteen Iranian-backed militiamen of Iraqi nationalities”.

Two rockets targeted Baghdad International Airport; no damage or casualties were reported.

The U.S. designated fourteen Syrian individuals and entities pursuant to the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act (Caesar Act). The same day, the U.S. special envoy for Syria, commenting on Iran’s “military cooperation agreement” with Damascus, asserted that “such military aid to the Assad regime, violates the Caesar Act… The Iranian regime’s pledge to export military equipment to Syria is in blatant defiance of the UN arms embargo under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, and it’s a further demonstration of why we in the U.S. think it’s an imperative that the Security Council must act to extend the arms embargo on Iran” beyond October. He further maintained that “the Iraqi militant groups that are sponsored by the Iranian regime, have been dealing with the Syrian regime in a way that would clearly violate… the spirit of the Caesar Act as well as UN Security Council resolutions”.

A spokesperson for the U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition confirmed that “three small Katyusha rockets impacted Taji base… no coalition casualties or damage”.

The U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition announced that it had “conducted a ceremony with Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) to transfer the Coalition area of Besmayah Base”, noting it was “the seventh base this year transferred to the ISF”. A coalition statement explained that “due to Iraqi Security Forces’ success in the campaign against Daesh [ie, ISIS], the Coalition is adjusting its positioning and focus in Iraq… CJTF-OIR will continue to relocate and consolidate personnel and equipment from Iraqi bases throughout 2020, in cooperation with the Government of Iraq”.

Four rockets targeted an Iraqi base hosting U.S.-led coalition troops south of Baghdad, causing “some material damage but no casualties”. The Besmaya facility was due to be transferred to Iraqi control the following day.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi visited Iran and met with Iranian senior officials. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei told al-Kadhimi that “Iran is definitely opposed to anything that weakens the Iraqi government. Of course, the Americans’ outlook concerning Iraq is the exact opposite of ours… it does not wish to see an independent, strong Iraq”. “The presence of the U.S. in any country will bring about corruption, ruin and destruction”, Khamenei opined, adding that Iran “expects the decision made by the Iraqi government, nation and parliament to expel the Americans to be implemented because their presence leads to insecurity”. In a separate meeting with President Rouhani, al-Kadhimi affirmed that “Iraq is a country that will never allow any threat from its territory to the Islamic Republic of Iran because the relations between the two countries go back hundreds of years and we must support these long-standing relations”.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif visited Baghdad and discussed bilateral relations, “including the political, economic and security cooperation”, with senior Iraqi officials. Prime Minister al-Kadhimi stressed cooperation “to support the security and stability of the region” and told Zarif that “Iraq seeks to affirm its balanced and positive role in the making of peace and progress in the region”. President Barham underscored that “Iraq attaches particular importance to safeguard its sovereignty, its security and its stability, and it looks forward to further cooperation with the allied and friendly states on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs”. Zarif also traveled to Erbil. Discussing the trip the following day, Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson stressed that “Iran believes in negotiation with the regional countries without foreign interventions… The only way to establish stability and security and even to develop the economy is regional cooperation and synergy”.

Three rockets targeted Baghdad’s Green Zone; no casualties were reported.

The U.S., Iraq and the Gulf Cooperation Council jointly announced that they had “renewed their full support for the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) project to connect the electricity grids of Iraq and the GCC. The U.S. is committed to facilitating this project and providing support where needed”. “This project”, the statement added, “will provide much-needed electricity to the people of Iraq and support Iraq’s economic development, particularly in the southern provinces”.

Discussing Iraqi Shiite militia, CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie assessed that attacks on Iraqi bases hosting U.S. forces “to date have been relatively minor, but we watch them and could very quickly turn into a major, major problem… I think they’re driven, at least partially, by the fact that they were not able to get the solution they wanted politically in Iraq”. McKenzie went on to state that “whether Iran is telling them the attack or not, the weapons are enabled by Iran. So, there’s clear Iranian ownership, at least moral ownership with what these groups do, even if they’re not actually pulling the trigger and saying attack this base tonight”. He further noted: “the government of Iraq is reaching out, and they’re being very aggressive and very helpful in attempting to reduce these attacks. I think because of that, we have seen a lower number of attacks on U.S. bases than we would have otherwise seen over the last few weeks”.

CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie stated that “I am actually optimistic about where we are in Iraq right now… Prime Minister al-Kadhimi is attempting to do all the right things, and it’s going to be a long slog for him because I think, at heart, he wants to assert the sovereignty of Iraq”. “I think he seeks to bring the various militias under state control where that’s feasible”, McKenzie indicated, and “takes very seriously the obligations of the Government of Iraq to provide protection for U.S., coalition and partner forces that are in Iraq on a counterterrorism mission against Daesh [ie, ISIS], and he has been very aggressive moving out on that. He also has practical political realities that he has to deal with, and we recognise those realities and… we’re going to have to have patience as he moves forward”. 

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the killing in Baghdad of Hisham al-Hashimi, whom Pompeo described as “a patriot, prominent scholar and journalist” who “devoted his life to a free and sovereign Iraq”. Pompeo asserted that “in the days leading up to his death, he was repeatedly threatened by Iran-backed armed groups”, and urged the Iraqi government “to bring to justice the perpetrators of this terrible crime”. The Iranian government had, via its embassy in Baghdad, “strongly condemn[ed]” al-Hashemi’s killing on 6 July.

CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie visited Iraq and met with Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Discussing his visit, McKenzie assessed that “the government of Iraq recognises the extreme value that the [U.S.-led] coalition brings to the fight against Daesh in Iraq. And I believe that going forward, they're going to want us to be with them... our posture could get smaller as the Iraqis get better at what they do”. He further maintained that “this is actually the responsibility the government of Iraq to assist in our protection. The prime minister realises that, and the actions that he's taken have been totally aligned with that principle… I do believe they’ve been successful stopping attacks against us”. “We also know that there is pressure just brought on the Iraqis from the Iranians and from the Shiite militia groups... We're going to help him in every way that we can”, he added.

Discussing the killing by the U.S. of IRGC Quds Commander Qassem Soleimani, CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie argued that “it still has an effect on them [ie, Iran] and they’re not as coordinated as they once were, and there’s a number of things they don't do as well as they once used to do”. He further assessed that “we are [still] in a period of contested deterrence… While the maximum pressure campaign continues, the mission of U.S. Central Command is to deter the Iranians from believing they can strike back either overtly or covertly against us or our partners and coalition friends in the region in order to destabilise and reset the rules of that of that maximum pressure campaign”. Referring to rocket attacks in Iraq, McKenzie indicated that “Iran still desires to pursue a vision of the U.S. leaving the region. And I believe for a while early this year, they felt they had a political track to do that in Iraq. I don't think they see that track is available to them anymore. And as a result, they're sort of assessing where they're going to go… [and] are still in the process of thinking about how they proceed from the events of January”.

Discussing the killing by the U.S. of IRGC Quds Commander Qassem Soleimani, CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie argued that “it still has an effect on them [ie, Iran] and they’re not as coordinated as they once were, and there’s a number of things they don't do as well as they once used to do”. He further assessed that “we are [still] in a period of contested deterrence… While the maximum pressure campaign continues, the mission of U.S. Central Command is to deter the Iranians from believing they can strike back either overtly or covertly against us or our partners and coalition friends in the region in order to destabilise and reset the rules of that of that maximum pressure campaign”. Referring to rocket attacks in Iraq, McKenzie indicated that “Iran still desires to pursue a vision of the U.S. leaving the region. And I believe for a while early this year, they felt they had a political track to do that in Iraq. I don't think they see that track is available to them anymore. And as a result, they're sort of assessing where they're going to go… [and] are still in the process of thinking about how they proceed from the events of January”.

A rocket fired toward Baghdad’s Green Zone hit a civilian residence, injuring one. The same day, Iraqi security forces foiled a separate rocket attack targeting Camp Taji, a military base hosting U.S. troops in Iraq. The following day, Baghdad International Airport was also targeted by a rocket, with no injuries and minor damage reported.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo praised the al-Kadhimi government “for bringing all armed groups under its control, including those firing rockets at Iraqi government facilities”. “The presence of these lawless actors”, he added, “remains the single biggest obstacle to additional assistance or economic investment for the country… Baghdad’s actions are a step in the right direction”.

The U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook argued that “economic pressure and diplomatic isolation works. It is the only language that this regime understands. We have seen this across the Middle East… Iran is operating in a much less permissive environment than when we took office”. Citing protests in Lebanon and Iraq, Hook contended that “the Iranian model is being rejected… Iran is a failed model”.

The U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, indicated that “we have been very pleased with the formation of the government in Iraq. We don’t have Soleimani’s usual influence at play there and we see the Iraqi people really standing up and protesting against the Iranian interference”. Hook added: “we want to see an Iraq that is strong, stable and sovereign. The Iranian regime wants none of these things… we are very pleased with the early steps they [the al-Kadhimi government] have taken to stop that interference”.

The Iraqi government confirmed that “accurate intelligence was available on people who had previously targeted the Green Zone and Baghdad International Airport with indirect fire several times. The concerned [security] agencies monitored new intensions to carry out firing… against government targets inside the Green Zone”. Consequently, counter-terrorism units had detained “fourteen defendants”, reportedly from Kataeb Hizbollah. “After the arrest process”, the statement added, “armed parties moved by government vehicles and without official approval towards government headquarters… They approached one of the headquarters of the CTS [Counter-Terrorism Service] inside the Green Zone, and worked to provoke CTS”, noting “the seriousness of this behaviour and its threat to the security of the state and its democratic political system”.

A rocket targeted Baghdad International Airport.

CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie noted that “we’re seeing a beginning of a spike in unprovoked rocket attacks on Iraqi bases that host U.S. forces in Iraq. It’s my belief that Iran and its proxies are beginning to turn to that because they see they've been unable to prevail in the political realm in Iraq”. Describing Iraq as “the principle theatre of confrontation”, McKenzie posited that the Iranians “do, as a policy objective, want to eject us from the theatre. And they’d like to begin with Iraq going to that end”. He further acknowledged the Kadhimi government’s commitment “to provide protection for U.S. forces” in Iraq and maintained: “we have seen the Iraqis be very aggressive in attempting to respond against those attacks”. “We’re in the process of right sizing our force structure there”, McKenzie noted, predicting that “we’re probably going to get smaller… I do not believe that number is going to be zero. I believe they’re going to want us to stay”. Citing a recent survey, the commander maintained that “for the first time in a long time, the U.S. had a higher favorability rating than Iran in Iraq… [It] is something that should give us all pause that we're actually perhaps beginning to accomplish some of our objectives in Iraq that we've pursued for a long time”.

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador in Baghdad and “delivered a letter of protest on the Iranian artillery bombardment of the border villages… in the governorate of Erbil” on 16 June. The ministry further noted “the condemnation of these actions, and the importance of the Iranian side’s respect of the sovereignty of Iraq and to ​​stop undertaking such actions, and explore ways of joint bilateral cooperation in controlling security and achieving stability on the shared border”.

During a visit to Baghdad, the head of Iran’s central bank indicated that “Iran will use its financial resources in Iraq for purchasing basic goods and unsanctioned products”.

Three rockets targeted Baghdad International Airport; no casualties or damage were reported.

Referring to the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Dialogue, Iran’s ambassador to Iraq maintained that “the negotiations between Iraq and the U.S. is an internal issue and the decision depends on Iraq, itself. Rest assured that Iran will support any agreement that the Iraqi government inks and the parliament approves”.

Two rockets targeted Camp Taji, an Iraqi military base hosting U.S. troops; no casualties were reported though the facility sustained minor damage.

The U.S. and Iraq held a Strategic Dialogue covering “security and counterterrorism, economics and energy, political issues and cultural relations”. According to a joint statement, “the two countries recognised that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the ISIS threat, over the coming months the U.S. would continue reducing forces from Iraq and discuss with the government of Iraq the status of remaining forces”. Additionally, “the U.S. reiterated that it does not seek nor request permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq… The government of Iraq committed to protecting the military personnel of the International Coalition and the Iraqi facilities hosting them”. A senior U.S. official subsequently noted that “there remains a significant problem of armed groups, militia, Iranian-backed militia in the country, that operate outside the control of the government of Iraq… Our understanding, based on our initial engagements with the al-Kadhimi government, suggests that they are committed to demonstrating – re-establishing sovereignty, exercising control of these – of rogue militias, and having a unified security service in the country”. “Pro-Iranian militias, Iranian-Shiite militias, remain a significant problem and challenge for the Kadhimi government”, he underscored.  

A rocket landed inside Baghdad’s Green Zone; no causalities were reported.

A rocket hit the vicinity of Baghdad International Airport; no casualties were reported.

The U.S. Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, James Jeffrey, reported that “we are concerned about Daesh [ISIS] elements south of the Euphrates in those areas that the [Syrian] regime and its Iranian and Russian supporters control. There has been a significant increase in attacks, and we’re watching that closely because Daesh sees the entire Iraq/Syria area as one single front”. Jeffrey went on to assert that “there’s been no change in the American position that we’re going to continue to maintain forces as long as the Iraqi government is willing to have U.S. and coalition forces present in the country until the enduring defeat of Daesh is accomplished, and it’s not yet accomplished”. He also noted that in Iraq “NATO has taken the decision to expand its current level and current kind of activities which are higher-level headquarters coordination, coaching, training, that sort of thing”.

The foreign ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS Small Group issued a communique reiterating their “shared determination to continue the fight against Daesh/ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and to create conditions for an enduring defeat of the terrorist group, which remains the Coalition’s sole purpose”. The ministers also “welcome[d] the establishment of a new government in Baghdad, and look[ed] forward to engaging in a fruitful dialogue with the government of Iraq on our joint endeavor to maintain pressure on Daesh/ISIS”. “In Syria, the Coalition stands with the Syrian people in support of a lasting political settlement in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254”, the statement added. Speaking at the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addressed Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi by saying that “we are all committed to your success in support of the enduring defeat of ISIS”, also noting that “we’re sharing the financial burden of Iraq’s immediate recovery”.  

Iran’s energy minister visited Iraq and met with senior Iraqi officials, including President Barham Salih. Salih expressed “a need for having further joint coordination and cooperation as well as broadening the scope of collaboration between the two countries, notably in the areas of electricity and water”. According to the minister, the two sides inked a two-year deal for Iranian electricity exports.

The Kurdish militant group PJAK claimed in a statement that “a Turkish drone” on 26 May struck a vehicle near the Iranian border that was “carrying [two of] our fighters and [three] supporters and killed all of them inside the vehicle”.

Secretary of State Michael Pompeo discussed “Iraq’s economic crisis as well as the upcoming U.S.-Iraq Strategic Dialogue” with Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. According to a U.S. readout, “Pompeo urged Prime Minister al-Kadhimi to pursue real reforms as he works with international institutions to provide financial assistance to Iraq”.

Secretary of State Michael Pompeo discussed “Iraq’s economic crisis as well as the upcoming U.S.-Iraq Strategic Dialogue” with Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. According to a U.S. readout, “Pompeo urged Prime Minister al-Kadhimi to pursue real reforms as he works with international institutions to provide financial assistance to Iraq”.

The U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, posited that “our policy is to reverse Iran’s influence across the Middle East and to help countries like Iraq and Lebanon be free of Iranian interference. And I think there’s a lot of support for that among the Iraqi people. And one of the things the [Iraqi] prime minister [Mustafa al-Kadhimi] will be focused on, I think, is reclaiming Iraq’s sovereignty from Iranian interference”. Hook went on to say that “the [January 2020] death of Qassem Soleimani presents a better environment for the Iraqi people to have a government that represents their interests and not the interests of the Iranian regime”.

President Rouhani stated that “resisting the oppressors and supporting the oppressed is one of the main pillars of the Islamic Republic of Iran… the people of Islamic Iran do not accept or tolerate oppression against the Palestinians in any way”. Rouhani went on to indicate that “we are pleased that we are witnessing the formation of a new government in Iraq… and the disagreements in Afghanistan have also led to a good agreement”.

A rocket landed inside Baghdad’s Green Zone. No causalities were reported.

President Rouhani told his Iraqi counterpart that “Iran is alongside the Iraqi government and nation like before, and favours protecting Iraqi sovereignty and non-interference of foreign powers in the future of the country’s government and people”. According to an Iraqi readout, the two presidents “discussed the ways of strengthening Baghdad-Tehran relations” and “agreed and emphasised that enhancing Iraq's sovereignty and security is of particular importance in regional and international levels”.

Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami spoke to his Iraqi counterpart and remarked: “we want to give Iraq all our capacities and we want to become strategic partners and turn our relations into a successful model of cooperation”. The Iraqi Defence Minister also met with Iran’s military attaché in Baghdad, who expressed “Iran’s readiness to expand cooperation with Iraq, especially in the military and defence fields”. The two also reportedly discussed “the status of terrorism and the recent movement of ISIS as well as boosting the Intelligence Exchange Center for the fight against terrorism [with the cooperation of Iran, Russia, Syria and Iraq]”.

Iran's military attaché expressed to Iraq’s Defence Minister “Iran’s readiness to expand cooperation with Iraq, especially in the military and defence fields”. The two officials reportedly discussed “the status of terrorism and the recent movement of ISIS as well as boosting the Intelligence Exchange Center for the fight against terrorism [with the cooperation of Iran, Russia, Syria and Iraq]”.

The U.S. convened the UN “Security Council to meet under its 2231 Format to discuss Iran’s April 22 satellite launch”, which it called “yet another example of Iran’s relentless defiance of UN Security Council Resolution 2231”. According to the U.S. mission, its representatives “highlighted Iran’s ongoing violation of the UN arms embargo in Resolution 2231, reminding Council members that Iran continues to funnel weapons to proxy forces and terrorist groups in places like Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Bahrain”. The U.S. also argued that “Iran’s continued violations of the Security Council’s arms embargo demands greater pressure from the Security Council, not less, and the U.S. will work tirelessly with a coalition of concerned nations to ensure the embargo is extended”.

A senior U.S. diplomat assessed that “the Iranian threat… is actually severe and getting worse on some fronts, and the Iranians continue to make progress on the nuclear front, etc. So this is a growing concern of ours”. Asked about “incidents lately that kind of increase that urgency about the Iranian threat”, the official replied: “the most obvious thing is that you see things oftentimes blowing up in Syria… what appears to be increased Israeli operational tempo and broadening its target set”. The official went on to say that “the Iranians are still certainly provocative. Maybe in some places slow down operational tempo a little bit… There are [COVID-19] curfews so it is hard for their proxy militias to go out at night and try and kill Americans. But they still go, and the threat is still there, and they’re still planning and they’re still shooting. Their allies in Iraq continue to shoot rockets at U.S. facilities”.

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi met with the U.S. ambassador to Iraq and maintained that “Iraq will not be a proxy arena for settling affairs or a launch pad for attacking any neighbouring or friendly country”. Al-Kadhimi also met with Iran’s ambassador, who reported that “bilateral cooperation, continuation of actions regarding the 1975 Algiers Agreement, banking cooperation, Khorramshahr-Basra railway and visa for the two countries’ citizens were discussed”.

The Iraqi parliament approved Mustafa al-Kadhimi as Prime Minister. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif congratulated al-Kadhimi and underscored that “Iran always stands with the Iraqi people and their choice of administration”. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke to al-Kadhimi and welcomed his government. According to a U.S. readout, the two “discussed the urgent hard work ahead for the Iraqi government, implementing reforms, addressing COVID-19 and fighting corruption”. Pompeo also indicated that “in support of the new government the U.S. will move forward with a 120-day electricity waiver as a display of our desire to help provide the right conditions for success”. 

Three rockets hit the vicinity of Baghdad International Airport, one of which reportedly landed close to a facility hosting U.S. forces.

The U.S. sanctioned an Iranian-Iraqi dual citizen, Amir Dianat, whom it said was “involved in IRGC-QF [ie, Quds force] efforts to generate revenue and smuggle weapons abroad”. According to the Treasury Department, which also sanctioned a company controlled by Dianat, the Quds force “relied on Dianat to security entry for vessels IRGC-QF shipments”. The U.S. also asserted that “Dianat has been directly involved in IRGC-QF efforts to smuggle shipments from Yemen to Iran”.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that “we’re watching closely as Prime Minister-designate Mustafa al-Kadhimi enters the third week of trying to form his government. The Iraqi people need and deserve a government that frees the country from external intimidation, puts the prosperity of the Iraqi people first and tackles the major challenges that continue to face Iraq”. Pompeo further asserted: “Iraqi leaders must put aside the sectarian quota system and make compromises that lead to government formation for the good of the Iraqi people, and for the partnership between the U.S. and Iraq. The Iraqi government, too, must heed the call from many elements of Iraqi society to bring all armed groups under state control”.

The U.S. extended by 30 days Iraq’s sanctions waiver for Iranian electricity imports “to allow time for the formation of a credible government” in Iraq. “Once that government is in place”, a State Department official indicated, “the Secretary will reassess whether to renew the waiver and for how long”.

The Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS Small Group “agreed to maintain maximum pressure on Daesh/ISIS despite the several and multifaceted challenges, including those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in order to achieve the enduring defeat of the terrorist group in Iraq and Syria”. They also “agreed that Operation Inherent Resolve’s training role, temporarily suspended due to the pandemic, will resume as conditions permit”. “The Political Directors of the Global Coalition, while maintaining the importance of guaranteeing the sovereignty of Iraq, also stressed the importance of increasing our various forms of assistance and stabilisation support to liberated areas”, the statement added.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated: “we welcome that Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish political leaders [in Iraq] seem to have arrived at a consensus on government formation, and hope the new government puts Iraq’s interests first and meets the needs of the Iraqi people”. “We stand with the Iraqi people as they seek a sovereign, prosperous Iraq, free of corruption and terror”, Pompeo added.

The U.S. announced “a reward of up to $10 million for information on the activities, networks, and associates of Muhammad Kawtharani”, whom it described as “a senior leader of Hizbollah’s forces in Iraq”. According to the State Department, Kawtharani had “taken over some of the political coordination of Iran-aligned paramilitary groups formerly organised by Qassem Soleimani after Soleimani’s death”.

Media reports citing U.S. officials revealed that “Patriot missile launchers and two other short-range systems are now in place at al-Assad Air Base… and at the military base in Erbil”. Defensive systems were additionally deployed at Camp Taji.

A U.S. senior diplomat indicated that “in the fine tradition of Qassem Soleimani, the Iranians continue now with the – their next – the next IRGC [Quds force] commander, Ghaani, and others, proxies… who are visiting or residing in Iraq, trying to influence and interfere in the Iraqi political process. We think this is counterproductive”. “It’s clear that Ghaani was there [in Iraq] doing what Iranians have done, what the regime does with meddling in, destabilising, playing in, undermining the sovereignty of regional states… If I was an Iraqi, I would be furious at the role that Iran is playing and the role that Iran proxies are playing by basically doing the bidding of the IRGC”.

A senior U.S. diplomat assessed the threat against U.S. forces in Iraq as “significant”, adding: “we noted that Kataeb Hizbollah last week listed on their website the ceasefire declaration, saying it would abstain from attacking U.S. forces. We take these things with a grain of salt. We would of course welcome if Kataeb Hizbollah did not attack us, but we still see a significant threat to U.S. personnel and forces, military forces in Iraq and that persists”.

President Barham Salih appointed Mustafa al-Kadhimi as Iraq’s prime minister after Adnan al-Zurfi failed to form a government. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson welcomed the nomination by describing it as “a right step in the right direction” and expressed “full readiness to cooperate with the Iraqi government so that it can overcome the problems and achieve the great goals of the Iraqi people and the top religious authority”. A senior U.S. official said “it’s a sad defeat for the people of Iraq that Zurfi did not get a change after being designated to present his slate of ministers”. He also described al-Kadhimi, as “impressive in his own right” and opined: “if he is an Iraqi patriot, which he appears to be, and is going to be fighting for reform against corruption and for Iraqi sovereignty, as the Iraqi patriot that he is, then this is something that’s also going to create problems for Iran, undoubtedly”.

The U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition transferred “the site used by the French advisers inside the [Abu Gharib] military headquarters in Baghdad… to Iraqi forces”, citing the Iraqi military’s “anti-ISIS success”.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that “the U.S. has proposed a Strategic Dialogue with the government of Iraq to be held in middle of June. With the global COVID-19 pandemic ranging and plummeting all revenues, threatening an Iraqi economic collapse, it’s important that our two governments work together to stop any reversal of the gains we’ve made in our efforts to defeat ISIS and stabilise the country”. “All strategic issues between our two countries will be on the agenda, including the future presence of the U.S forces in that country, and how best to support an independent and sovereign Iraq”, Pompeo added. He further opined: “a leader who is put forward, who’s prepared to engage in the reforms, that will build out a sovereign, independent Iraq on behalf of the Iraqi people and move away from the old sectarian model that ended up with terror and corruption – any leader that’s put forward that will do that [as prime minister], the U.S. is happy to support”. 

Multiple rockets struck close to a U.S. energy company’s facilities in Basra province. No damage or injuries were reported.

The U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition held a base transfer ceremony at al-Taqaddum (Habbaniya) Air Base west of Baghdad, noting that “over the last month we have transferred four bases to full ISF [Iraq Security Forces] control”. A coalition statement noted that “these military movements are long-planned in coordination with the government of Iraq. These pre-planned base transfers are not related to recent attacks against Iraqi bases hosting Coalition troops, or the ongoing COVID-19 situation in Iraq”.

Iran’s military chief of staff denied Iranian involvement in a series of rocket attacks against Iraqi bases hosting U.S. forces. He contended that the attacks were “a natural reaction by Iraqi people” to the U.S. killing of Qassem Soleimeni and a senior Iraqi militia commander in January, and posited that the “Americans are trying to pin them on us as part of their blame game”. He warned that “if [Americans] take the smallest step against the security of our country, they will be faced with the most severe reaction”, going on to claim that “recent days have witnessed an increase, to some extent, in the U.S.’s military activities across Iraq and the Persian Gulf. On the psychological and media fronts, too, they are engaged in massive dissemination of news denoting that they have plans against resistance groups in Iraq and Hashd al-Shaabi”.

A Pentagon spokesperson affirmed that “the U.S. is moving defensive systems into Iraq to protect Iraqi, coalition and U.S. service members from a variety of air threats seen at Iraqi bases that host coalition troops… The establishment of ground-based air defences in Iraq continues, but for operational security reasons, we are not providing status updates as those systems come online”. “The Iraqi government is well aware of our collective need for air defence protection of service members within Iraq, and we continue to coordinate closely with our Iraqi counterparts”, the statement added.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper asserted that “the Iranian regime continues to want to spread its malign activities throughout the region. They want to continue to send out the Quds Force and others to… cause problems throughout the region. We know that, in one way, shape or form, they’re resourcing, directing, approving of whatever operations for Shiite militia groups in Iraq that are targeting American forces”. He further indicated that “I feel deep concern for the Iranian people [amidst the COVID-19 pandemic]. The important thing is that the Iranian government should focus on them and stop this malign behaviour that they’ve been conducting now for over 40 years. I think the entire region, and certainly the Iranian people, would be better off for it”.

President Trump declared that “upon information and belief, Iran or its proxies are planning a sneak attack on U.S. troops and/or assets in Iraq. If this happens, Iran will pay a very heavy price, indeed!” Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif cautioned Trump against being “misled by usual warmongers, again” and added: “Iran has friends. No one can have millions of ‘proxies’. Unlike the U.S. – which surreptitiously lies, cheats and assassinates – Iran only acts in self-defence. Openly Iran starts no wars, but teaches lessons to those who do”.

Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson warned that what he described as “military moves” by the U.S. in Iraq “are against the official and announced will of the Iraqi government, parliament and people, would create tensions and could steer the regional situation towards instability and catastrophic conditions”.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asserted that “we know that those Shiite militias who have attacked the Americans [in Iraq] are trained, equipped, underwritten by the regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and it’s been President Trump’s policy consistently that says that we will respond against all of those who facilitated, trained, equipped and enabled those attacks on America. That holds as true today as it did two weeks, four weeks, or back in the beginning of January, when we took a strike against Qassem Soleimani”.

Iraqi Prime Minister-Designate Adnan al-Zurfi asserted that “helping Iran face the coronavirus will help prevent a humanitarian catastrophe… the international community must help them by lifting or easing the sanctions and providing medical treatments, as this has health and security repercussions on Iraq”.

The U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition began “to hand over the inner-Coalition area of K1 Air Base” near Kirkuk to the Iraqi Security Forces as part of a force consolidation plan.

Two rockets landed inside Baghdad’s Green Zone. No casualties were reported.

The U.S. designated “20 individuals and entities that violate Iraqi sovereignty and exploit Iraq’s economy to funnel money to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF)”. The U.S. diplomatic spokesperson contended that “some of these people help provide the financial support that enables the IRGC-QF to transfer lethal aid to Iranian-backed terrorist groups such as Kataeb Hizbollah (KH) and Asaeb Ahl al-Haq (AAH) and engage in other malign activities that undermine the Iraqi government’s efforts toward energy independence”. She added that “among today’s designations include entities and individuals that exploit for the benefit of the IRGC-QF Iraq’s dependence on Iranian electricity imports. Under a U.S.-issued sanctions waiver, Iraq is permitted to engage in financial transactions related to the import of electricity from Iran. The purpose of this waiver, which the U.S. is renewing today, is to meet the immediate energy needs of the Iraqi people”. The duration of the waiver was reportedly 30 days.

In a statement marking the anniversary of ISIS’s territorial defeat, the U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition indicated that “we have reached a point in the campaign where our partners are taking the fight to the remnants of Daesh independently and preventing Daesh’s resurgence. As a result, the Coalition will consolidate to fewer bases with fewer people and remains committed to supporting our partners ensuring the enduring defeat of Daesh”. The Global Coalition also issued a statement for the occasion, noting that “ISIS remains a significant threat. The Global Coalition will continue its comprehensive efforts in Iraq and Syria, and globally, to deny ISIS’s ambitions and the activities of its branches and networks, until the job is done”.

Discussing rocket attacks against bases hosting U.S. forces in Iraq, a senior U.S. diplomat asserted that “the Iraqi government is at a decision point. If it doesn’t take steps to hold accountable those responsible for the attacks on coalition forces, which are there at the invitation of the Iraqi government, the U.S. will be forced to continue to protect our forces proactively”. He added that “we’ve been, I think, enormously disappointed with the performance of the Government of Iraq in fulfilling its obligations to protect coalition forces… that remains a point of contention”. The official further explained that the repositioning of U.S. forces in the country “was planned” and “makes sense. It’s in part because the Iraqi forces that we have been training are better ready to stand on their own feet and do the work... [and] in the era of corona, we’re looking for maybe fewer bases with fewer people on them”.

President Barham Salih appointed Adnan al-Zarfi as Iraq’s prime minister. A senior U.S. diplomat stated: “we are hoping that pro-Iran parties – that is, Iran and its ally – do not move to scuttle the nomination. They seem prepared to shoot down anyone who is not completely subservient to Iran. This is an inflection point for Iraq, whether [they] will choose sovereignty or whether they will choose to become a wholly owned subsidiary of Iran”. He also indicated that “a government that prioritises Iraq and heeds the legitimate demands made by Iraqis for a sovereign and corrupt-free nation will receive U.S. and international support”.

The U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition announced that it had “conducted a base transfer ceremony with the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) at al-Qaim”, located close to Iraq’s border with Syria. “The Coalition will operate from fewer locations but remains committed to supporting our partners in their fight against Daesh [ie, ISIS]”, the statement added.

Approximately three rockets were fired into Baghdad's Green Zone.

Two rockets targeted an Iraqi military training facility hosting counter-ISIS coalition forces in Basmaya, south east of Baghdad.

A spokesperson for the U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition confirmed that “as a result of the success of Iraqi Security Forces in their fight against ISIS, the Coalition is re-positioning troops from a few smaller bases… These bases remain under Iraqi control and we will continue our advising partnership for the permanent defeat of Daesh [ie, ISIS] from other Iraqi military bases”.

The spokesperson for the U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition confirmed that “at least 25 107mm rockets impacted Iraq's Camp Taji base”, wounding three U.S. soldiers. The following day, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo talked to Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi and “underscored that the groups responsible for these attacks must be held accountable… America will not tolerate attacks and threats to American lives and will take additional action as necessary in self-defence”.

Discussing 12 March U.S. strikes against five Kataeb Hizbollah sites in Iraq, which followed a rocket attack against Camp Taji that killed three coalition members, CENTCOM commander Kenneth McKenzie stated that “these defensive strikes were designed to destroy Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons… I would caution Iran and its proxies from attempting a response”. McKenzie added that “we do believe that behind Kataeb Hizbollah ultimately is the state of Iran. And the state of Iran is very much aware that we hold them responsible for what Kataeb Hizbollah does”. He further assessed that “now people know that we're not going to – we're not going to tolerate these direct attacks on American or coalition service members, and we're willing and able to respond”. McKenzie also posited that “the threat remains very high… they [ie, Iranians] are actively seeking ways to achieve destabilisation that would allow them to escape the strictures of the maximum pressure campaign”, adding that “perhaps coronavirus even increases [stress and pressure] on them”. He also confirmed that “we have put the preparatory material in place that allows us to establish Patriot positions inside Iraq”.

The U.S. announced that it had “conducted defensive precision strikes against Kataeb Hezbollah (KH) facilities across Iraq”, underscoring that the operation was “in direct response to the threat posed by Iranian-backed Shiite militia groups (SMG) who continue to attack bases hosting OIR coalition forces”. The Pentagon's statement further warned that “these terror groups must cease their attacks on U.S. and coalition forces or face consequences at a time and place of our choosing”. CENTCOM commander Kenneth McKenzie asserted: “I would caution Iran and its proxies from attempting a response that would endanger U.S. and coalition forces or our partners… We have the flexibility, capability and will to respond to any threat”. The Iraqi military reported six fatalities and a dozen wounded as a result of the U.S. operation, including civilians. Iraqi President Barham Salih issued a statement describing the strikes “as violation of national sovereignty”, adding that the presidency “rejects all steps by other countries to settle scores on Iraqi soil, those seeking to fight by proxy… If these violations are repeatedly occurred, Iraq will plunge back into chaos and violence”.

Syrian state media reported that “unidentified aircrafts have attacked Deir al-Zour north-eastern countryside in vicinity of the Syrian-Iraqi borders… causing only material damage”.

The U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition confirmed that “three Coalition personnel were killed during a rocket attack on Camp Taji, Iraq… approximately twelve additional personnel were wounded”. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo subsequently spoke with his British counterpart and the two “underscored that those responsible for the attacks must be held accountable”. The following day, CENTCOM commander Kenneth McKenzie noted: “the Iranian proxy group Kataeb Hezbollah is the only group known to have previously conducted an indirect fire attack of this scale against U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq”. U.S. Defence Secretary Esper asserted that the attack was carried out “by Iranian-backed Shiite militia groups”, and conveyed that President Trump had provided “the authority to do what we need to do… I’m not going to take any options off the table right now, but we are focused on the group – groups – that we believe perpetrated this in Iraq, as the immediate [focus]”. 

Testifying before the House Armed Service Committee, CENTCOM commander Kenneth McKenzie affirmed that “most of the U.S. intelligence community predicts that without sustained pressure levied against it, ISIS has the potential to reconstitute in Iraq and Syria in short order, beyond the current capabilities of the U.S. to neutralise it without a capable, partnered ground force”. On Syria, he recommended that “moving forward, we must continue our support to NATO ally Turkey and our D-ISIS partner force, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), while maintaining deconfliction with Russia, which, along with the Assad regime, aggressively challenges the Coalition mission in various ways”. McKenzie further reiterated that “we remain in Iraq at the request of the Government of Iraq for one reason: the defeat of ISIS”, adding that “hindering our ability to work with the Iraqi Security Forces toward this objective [of defeating ISIS] are rogue elements of the Popular Mobilisation Forces more beholden to Iran’s regime than the government of Iraq. Some of these militias smuggle advanced weapons into Iraq from Iran, not to defend the country from ISIS, but to undermine existing security and threaten U.S. and Coalition forces”. McKenzie also indicated that “we are in the process of bringing air defence systems, ballistic missile defence systems into Iraq – particularly to protect ourselves against another potential Iranian attack”.

Testifying before the House Armed Service Committee, CENTCOM commander Kenneth McKenzie indicated that “we are in the process of bringing air defence systems, ballistic missile defence systems into Iraq – particularly to protect ourselves against another potential Iranian attack”. “Going forward, it is CENTCOM’s objective to posture forces in the region with the operational depth to achieve a consistent state of deterrence against Iran and be adaptable to future Iranian threats”, he added, further positing that Iran’s January 2020 missile strikes at Iraqi bases hosting U.S. forces “crossed a threshold compared to previous attacks and has probably set a lower bar for future actions by the regime”. McKenzie went on to assert that “while periods of decreased tension may provide the illusion of a ‎return to normalcy, ample intelligence indicates the regime’s desire to continue malign activities… So ‎long as the U.S. applies diplomatic and economic pressure, the joint force must be postured to deter ‎Iran from employing the military element of power to counter our actions”.‎

The U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition confirmed that “two U.S. service members were killed by enemy forces while advising and accompanying Iraqi security forces during a mission to eliminate an ISIS terrorist stronghold in a mountainous area of north central Iraq” the previous day.

Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani visited Iraq and met with President Barham Salih and other senior Iraqi leaders. Salih remarked that “coordination and joint action with Iran in the field of combatting terrorism and extremism, and supporting Iraq’s efforts to maintain its sovereignty and security is of great importance”. In a joint press conference with a senior security official, Shamkhani emphasised that “measures taken by the Iraqi government, parliament and nation, who have demanded to oust U.S. forces in their huge rallies, deserve gratitude”. He also maintained that “we see no reason to interfere in Iraq’s domestic affairs”. Shamkhani subsequently stated: “visiting Iraq, I asked the Iraqi authorities to identify and introduce the internal agents involved in the assassination operation of the martyrs Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis”.

Baghdad’s Green Zone was targeted by three rockets.

Two rockets landed inside Baghdad’s Green Zone, one of which reportedly fell “near the U.S. embassy”.

Iraq’s prime minister-designate, Mohammad Allawi, issued a statement in which he asserted that “I tried by all possible means to save Iraq from drifting to the unknown and to solve the current crisis, but during negotiations I faced many matters”, and pulled out of consideration for the premiership. The following day, Adel Abdul-Mahdi announced that he would quit his major duties as caretaker, while warning that “the most dangerous thing that we currently face is the prospect of a constitutional and administrative vacuum”.

The U.S. designated Ahmad al-Hamidawi, the Secretary General of Kataeb Hizbollah, “as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) pursuant to Executive Order 13224”.

The U.S. designated “thirteen foreign entities and individuals in China, Iraq, Russia and Turkey pursuant to the Iran, North Korea and Syria Nonproliferation Act”, including five entities and individuals in China and Turkey “for supporting Iran’s missile program”. According to the State Department, “the imposition of these measures underscores that Iran’s missile program remains a significant proliferation concern. The imposition of sanctions against these foreign entities is consistent with our efforts to use all available measures to prevent Iran from advancing its missile capabilities”.

A U.S. diplomatic spokesperson indicated that “we’re still going to do everything we can to deter the Shiite militias [in Iraq] from attacking us… we’re starting to see and continue to see more of this activity start to creep up again”. She further warned that “the Iranian regime should know that we will hold them accountable for any actions that their Shiite militias take in Iraq… We were serious at the beginning of the year when we warned them on this before we killed Qassem Soleimani and we’re serious about it now, and they need to take those warnings seriously”.

Referring to the 16 February attack on Baghdad’s Green Zone which caused no casualties, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asserted that Iraqi government “has a responsibility to keep our embassy and our military facilities secure. They’ve repeatedly not been able to achieve that… We’re looking to not only apprehend those who conducted this attack, but demanding that they still do more work… we are mindful that it cannot become ordinary course that the Iranians through their proxy forces in Iraq are putting the lives of Americans at risk. This can’t be ordinary. This can’t be routine. There, in the end, has to be accountability connected to those very serious attacks”.

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper indicated that “we have seen a change in Iranians’ behaviour… We restored deterrence. And it's something we watch very, very carefully”. Referring to U.S. presence in Iraq, Esper argued that “the Iraqis want us there. And I hear it from them privately. I hear it from our friends in the Middle East who talk to them… The Sunnis want us there. And many of the Shiite want us there. But the challenge is the politics, given the influence of Iran through their proxies, is weighing heavily on Baghdad and how they move forward”.

A spokesperson for Operation Inherent Resolve confirmed that “small rockets impacted the Iraqi base hosting coalition troops in the [Baghdad] International Zone”, adding that there were “no casualties”.

Hizbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah assessed that “confrontation between the U.S. and the forces which reject to surrender to its will is inevitable” and stated that “all the regional peoples must be prepared for the key confrontation”. “The Israeli enemy”, he added, “has a major weakness which is the human losses; similarly, the Americans have their economic and financial situation as a point of fragility. Hizbollah hit the Israeli enemy at its weakness, so, likewise, we can concentrate on the U.S. economic interests”. Nasrallah further urged Iraqis “to respond to the U.S. crime of assassinating the two martyrs Hajj al-Muhandis and General Soleimani, preserve the Popular Mobilisation [Hashd al-Shaabi] in spite of the U.S. scheme to eradicate it, expel the U.S. forces of Iraq and strengthen the Iraqi role in the region”.

A military base hosting U.S. troops in northern Iraq was targeted by a rocket; no casualties were reported.

The State Department confirmed that “the U.S. has granted a 45-day waiver to allow Iraq to pay for electricity imports from Iran”. A statement added that the exemption “ensures that Iraq is able to meet its short-term energy needs while it takes steps to reduce its dependence on Iranian energy imports”, going on to assert that “Iran has proven itself as a highly unreliable source of energy for Iraq. Reducing Iranian energy imports is therefore paramount for Iraq to achieve energy security”.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that “today Allied ministers reaffirmed our support to Iraq, and agreed in principle to enhance NATO’s training mission. In the first instance, this will consist of taking on some of the Global Coalition’s current training activities”. He further maintained that “NATO is in Iraq on the invitation of the Iraqi Government. And we will only stay in Iraq as long as we are welcome. Because NATO fully respects Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”. “Every step, every decision will be taken, of course, in close connection, consultation, with the Iraqi government, but also in close connection with the Global Coalition”, he added. “We will resume the training activities as soon as possible”.

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper remarked that “what we want to do is increase the NATO activities' presence in Iraq, making sure that we're fully living up to the capacity available to us in NATO Mission Iraq. And then, of course, to the degree that NATO can – can offset the U.S. presence, that would over time allow us to bring some forces home”. Esper further noted that “I also want to see if NATO can help us, help our friends and partners in the Middle East with air defence, as an example. So the Saudis in particular are – need additional air defence assets to deter Iranian bad behaviour. They're not the only country, but that's an example where I'd like to see greater NATO participation, or at least our NATO partners participating”.

Tehran reopened its consulate in Najaf, which had been attacked by protesters and damaged in November 2019.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asserted that “we are outraged by the violence perpetrated in the city of Najaf on February 5 that led to the killing and wounding of peaceful demonstrators”. He further called on “the government of Iraq to take immediate steps to hold accountable the militias, thugs and vigilante groups in Najaf and other cities for their attacks against Iraqis exercising their right to peaceful protest”. Pompeo also stated: “to the courageous Iraqi people seeking reform and a government free of corruption and Iranian meddling, we offer America’s continued friendship and support”.

The U.S. Special Representative for Syria, James Jeffery, indicated that “we are continuing to work with the Iraqis”, adding that “the NATO Mission Iraq has indicated a willingness to take on a somewhat larger role”. He also reported that “we have not seen a significant increase in ISIS activities either in northeast Syria or in Iraq. They’ve been at a level that has been of concern… There may have been a slight increase in the number of attacks, but because the attack levels are fairly low by our historic standards with ISIS and other insurgency and terrorist groups in Iraq and Afghanistan, a few incidents here and there can make a difference”. 

The prime minister of the Iraqi Kurdistan region, Masrour Barzani, assessed that U.S. and counter-ISIS coalition forces “have been very helpful… in fighting ISIS. We do believe that their presence is still is very much needed because ISIS is a major threat”.

Iran’s ambassador to Iraq remarked that “Tehran welcomes Iraq’s role in seeking to resolve outstanding issues between Iran and Saudi Arabia and regional issues… the Iraqi government has played a constructive role in the region and we welcome any effort to reduce tension”. He also called on the U.S. to “stop interfering in the affairs of the region and dismantle their bases”, adding that “in the event that the U.S. commits another crime, Iran will respond to it again”.

President Barham Salih appointed Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as prime minister of Iraq. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson said that Tehran “welcomes the appointment”, adding: “under the current sensitive situation which Iraqi people and government are facing, Iran is ready to provide the Iraqi government and nation with all necessary means to tackle their problems”.

The Iraqi military stated that “in order to exploit the time that remains for the international [counter-ISIS] coalition before the new relationship is set up… it was decided to carry out joint actions”.

In statement, the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS Small Group underscored that “the Coalition will continue to further develop its support to and close partnership with the Iraqi government, the Iraqi Security Forces and our partners in the region in their ongoing efforts to diminish Daesh/ISIS’s capabilities and ensure it cannot reemerge”. Expressing “full respect of Iraqi sovereignty”, the coalition stated: “we will continue the close dialogue with the Iraqi government on appropriate measures to adapt the operational efficiency and coordination of our collective efforts”. “In Syria”, the statement added, “the Coalition stands with the Syrian people in support of a lasting political settlement based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254”.

​In a conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, U.S. Secretary of State Mike "Pompeo expressed his outrage at the continued assaults by Iran's armed groups against U.S. facilities in Iraq, including yesterday's attacks against our Embassy, which resulted in one injury". According to the State Department, Pompeo "underlined once again that these attacks demonstrate a wanton disregard for Iraqi sovereignty and a failure to rein in these dangerous armed groups", and characterised the 26 January attack "as an attempt to distract Iraqi and international attention away from the brutal suppression of peaceful Iraqi protesters by Iran and its proxies".   

The U.S. embassy in Baghdad was hit by multiple rockets, wounding one person. In a statement, Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi “deplore[d] the continuation of these condemned and outlawed acts that weaken the state and undermine its sovereignty”. He indicated that an investigation was underway, adding that “the continuation of this irresponsible, unilateral act, whole country bears its dangerous ramifications, repercussions, leads to harming the higher interests of the country and its relations with its friends, which may drag Iraq to be a battlefield, especially at a time when the government began measures to implement the parliament’s decision to withdraw foreign forces from the country”. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry also voiced “its most vigorous rejection, and its condemnation of the aggression” and underscored that “it is most keen to preserve the sanctity of all diplomatic missions working in Iraq”.

Explaining the scope of suspension of the D-ISIS coalition’s operations, a senior U.S. military official stated that “at… the general officer level, our engagements with our Iraqi counterparts are ongoing, and then down at the lower levels at those operational commands, our advisors that are on the ground in those areas are still maintaining regular contact with our Iraqi counterparts. We also do continue to fly intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets overhead”. The official further assessed that “most of the attacks against coalition forces in Iraq have come from elements of the Iranian threat network”, adding that “I see their activity against the coalition and frankly some of their activity in some parts of the country that are dominated by Sunni populations is really… one of the underlying conditions that needs to be addressed if we’re really going to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS”.

Prior to a bilateral meeting with the Iraqi President Barham Salih in Switzerland, President Trump addressed the U.S. military presence in Iraq by noting that “they [ie, Iraq] like what we’re doing and we like them, and we’ve had a very good relationship… we’re down to 5,000 [troops]. So we’re down to a very low number – historically low.  And we’ll see what happens”. Later, Salih’s office indicated that “during the meeting, reducing foreign troops and the importance of respecting the demands of Iraqi people to preserve the country’s sovereignty were discussed”.

Three rockets landed within Baghdad’s Green Zone, two of which reportedly fell “near the U.S. embassy”.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo “reaffirmed the important role of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS” in a conversation with Iraqi President Barham Salih, and the two “agreed on the need to reduce tensions in the region”. A readout from Salih’s office additionally indicated that Pompeo and Salih “underlined the requirement for all to act with restraint, called for the policy of appeasements to give space for a constructive dialogue in dealing with the crises and de-escalating the situation”.

The U.S. military confirmed that "while no U.S. service members were killed in the January 8 Iranian attack on al-Assad Air base, several were treated for concussion symptoms from the blast and are still being assessed”.

The Iraqi military reported rocket fire at Taji military base; the U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition spokesperson confirmed that “no Coalition troops were affected by this small attack”.

Eight rockets targeted Balad air base, injuring four Iraqi military personnel. U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo said he was “outraged” by the news, and urged the Iraqi government “to hold those responsible for this attack on the Iraqi people accountable”. He further asserted that “these continued violations of Iraq’s sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi government must end”.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi asked U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo “to send delegates to Iraq to lay down the mechanisms for implementing the House’s decision to withdraw forces safely from Iraq”. Abdul-Mahdi additionally informed Pompeo “that there are American forces entering Iraq and American drones flying in his sky without permission from the Iraqi government”, noting that “this is in violation of the agreements in force”. The same day, the U.S. State Department announced that “any delegation sent to Iraq would be dedicated to discussing how to best recommit to our strategic partnership—not to discuss troop withdrawal, but our right, appropriate force posture in the Middle East.”. The department’s spokesperson further underscored that “there does… need to be a conversation between the U.S. and Iraqi governments not just regarding security, but about our financial, economic and diplomatic partnership”.  

In a conversation with the NATO secretary general, Secretary of State Pompeo urged “NATO to become more involved in the Middle East, and the two”. According to a U.S. readout of the call, both officials “agreed NATO could contribute more to regional security and the fight against international terrorism” and “condemned Iran’s destabilising violence and remain committed to countering international terrorism, including through NATO’s participation in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and training missions in Iraq and Afghanistan”.

 President Trump remarked that “Iran appears to be standing down” following missile launches into Iraq the previous day “As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression”, he added, “the U.S. will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behaviour”. Trump also asserted that “the very defective JCPOA expires shortly anyway”, and urged the P4+1 to “break away from the remnants of the Iran deal… we must all work together towards making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and better place”. Trump further indicated that would “ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process”, and noted that “the destruction of ISIS is good for Iran, and we should work together on this and other shared priorities”. “The U.S. is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it”, he concluded.

Iran launched what the Pentagon subsequently assessed were sixteen ballistic missiles into Iraq. According to the Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, these struck “two Iraqi bases that hosted American and coalition troops”. In a statement confirming the operation, which followed the killing by the U.S. of Qods Force Commander Qassem Soleimani, the IRGC warned that “all U.S. allies who give their bases to its terrorist army that any territory that in any way becomes the starting point of hostile and aggressive acts against the Islamic Republic of Iran will be targeted”. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif emphasised that “Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens and senior officials were launched”. “We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression”, he added. President Trump’s initial response to the Iranian operation came by tweet, stating that “all is well”.

Commenting on the possibility of an Iranian response for the killing by the U.S. of Iran’s Qods Force commander, Qassem Soleimani, President Trump asserted that “if they do anything there will be major retaliation… They’re allowed to kill our people. They’re allowed to torture and maim our people, they’re allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people. And we’re not allowed to touch their cultural sites. It doesn’t work that way”.

According to the Iraqi military, six rockets landed inside and near Baghdad’s Green Zone.

The U.S.-led counter ISIS coalition announced that following “repeated rocket attacks over the last two months by elements of Kataeb Hizbollah… we are now fully committed to protecting the Iraqi bases that host Coalition troops. This has limited our capacity to conduct training with partners and to support their operations against Daesh [ISIS] and we have therefore paused these activities, subject to continuous review”.

Following the killing by the U.S. of Iran’s Qods Force commander, Qassem Soleimani, along with Iraqi paramilitary officials, the Iraqi parliament passed a resolution urging the government to “work to end the presence of any foreign troops on Iraqi soil and prohibit them from using its land, air space or water for any reason”. The prime minister’s office subsequently announced that “the relevant Iraqi officials in various government departments were preparing a memo outlining the legal and procedural steps required to implement parliament’s resolution on the withdrawal of foreign troops”. President Trump maintained that “if they do ask us to leave, if we don’t do it in a very friendly basis, we will charge them sanctions like they’ve never seen before ever. It’ll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame”. He further noted that “we have a very extraordinarily expensive air base that’s there. It cost billions of dollars to build. Long before my time. We’re not leaving unless they pay us back for it”.

A spokesperson for Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) confirmed that “two rocket attacks occurred near bases in Baghdad and Balad”.

A spokesperson for Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) said that “the coalition did not conduct airstrikes near Camp Taji (north of Baghdad) in recent days”, following reports of airstrikes against Hashd forces.

Referring to the killing by the U.S. of Iran’s IRGC Qods Force commander, Qassem Soleimani, a senior U.S. diplomat asserted that “this was a defensive strike that was taken and supported by very solid intelligence... This was strongly supported by everything that we were seeing that Soleimani was planning imminent attacks against American diplomats and our armed forces members in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and in the region”. Another senior U.S. official indicated that “my strong impression is that right now, everybody in his little foreign legion is scurrying for cover right now”. While noting that “we cannot promise that we have broken the circle of violence”, the official stressed that “if we do see an increase in violence, it probably will not be as devilishly ingenious”.

Following the killing by the U.S. of Iran’s IRGC Qods Force commander, Qassem Soleimani, a U.S. official maintained that “we want to stay on in Iraq. We have an important mission there, the coalition. We just spoke with most of the key coalition members this morning, making that message to them… we are ready to talk with the Iranians. We’ve tried to do this in the past. That’s on the table”.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert asserting: “U.S. citizens should depart via airline while possible, and failing that, to other countries via land. Due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the U.S. Embassy compound, all public consular operations are suspended until further notice. U.S. citizens should not approach the Embassy”. 

The U.S. announced that Secretary of State Pompeo would “designate Asaeb Ahl al-Haq (AAH) – as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO)”. It further noted that Pompeo had “designated AAH and two of its leaders… as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT)”. Secretary Pompeo asserted that “AAH and its leaders are violent proxies of the Islamic Republic of Iran… acting on behalf of their masters in Tehran, they violence and terror to further the Iranian regime’s efforts to undermine Iraqi sovereignty”.

The head of the IRGC's Qods force, Qasem Soleimani, was killed in a U.S. strike in Baghdad. The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that "at the direction of the President, the U.S. military has taken decisive defensive action to protect U.S. personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani”, adding that "Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region". Iran confirmed Soleimani’s death, and the IRGC said that four other Qods force members along with five Iraqis, notably including a senior Hashd official, were also killed in the operation. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei subsequently asserted that "enemies should bear in mind that the Islamic Republic of Iran will take tough revenge on criminals over the martyrdom of General Soleimani".

U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper stated that “over the last couple of months Iranian-backed Shiite militias have repeatedly attacked bases hosting American forces in Iraq… it is clear that these attacks are being directed by the Iranian regime, specifically IRGC leadership”. He added that 29 December strikes against Kataeb Hizbollah bases “were aimed at reducing KH’s ability to launch additional attacks… and to make it clear to Iran and Iranian-backed militias that the U.S. will not hesitate to defend our forces in the region”. Addressing “Iran and its proxy militias”, Esper asserted: “we will not accept continued attacks against our personnel and forces in the region. Attacks against us will be met with responses in the time, manner and place of our choosing. We urge the Iranian regime to end their malign activities”. He further urged U.S. “friends and allies to continue to work together to reduce Iran's destabilising influence so Iraq is governed by Iraqis without this interference in its internal affairs”.

In a conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi, Secretary of State Pompeo “condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the December 31 Iran-backed terrorist attack on U.S. Embassy Baghdad”. A U.S. readout further indicated that “Secretary Pompeo noted the measures the government of Iraq has taken to improve the security situation and stressed the government of Iraq’s obligation to prevent further attacks against our diplomatic mission”.

In a statement, Iraqi President Barham Salih declared that “the attempt to storm the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is considered a violation of the international contexts and agreements by which the Iraqi government is bound. Peaceful protest is a legitimate right... However, the attack against the diplomatic missions accredited harms Iraq's interest and its international reputation. It is an attack on Iraq sovereignty before being on any other party”. Salih added that “any aggression or harassment of the foreign embassies and representatives is an act which will be strictly prevented by the security forces. The perpetrators will be held fully responsible”.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense “authorised the deployment of an infantry battalion from the Immediate Response Force (IRF) of the 82nd Airborne Division to the U.S. Central Command area of operations in response to recent events in Iraq”. According to the statement, “approximately 750 soldiers will deploy to the region immediately, and additional forces from the IRF are prepared to deploy over the next several days”.

President Trump asserted that “Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the embassy, and so notified!” He also tweeted: “to those many millions of people in Iraq who want freedom and who don’t want to be dominated and controlled by Iran, this is your time!” Later in the day, Trump indicated that the facility “is, and has been for hours… safe”, adding that “Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facility. They will pay a very big price! This is not a warning, it is a threat”. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Iraq’s senior leadership and underscored that “the U.S. will protect and defend its people”. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper stated that “we have taken appropriate force protection actions to ensure the safety of American citizens, military personnel and diplomats in country, and to ensure our right of self-defence. We are sending additional forces to support our personnel at the embassy”. “We rely on host nation forces to assist in the protection of our personnel in country, and we call on the government of Iraq to fulfill its international responsibilities to do so”, he added.

The U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, emphasised that 29 December U.S. strikes against Kataeb Hizbollah bases in Iraq and Syria constituted “a defensive action” against a group Hook characterised as “an Iranian-backed rogue militia”. Asserting that “we’ve already seen, just in the past two months alone, eleven attacks on bases inside Iraq that are hosting coalition forces”, Hook argued that “the last thing the U.S. is looking for is kinetic action in the Middle East… But we’ve also made clear that we will not tolerate attacks against U.S. citizens, our military or our partners and allies in the region”. He further assessed that “Iran is currently in a state of panicked aggression. The regime understands very clearly the kind of economic pressure they’re under, and they also know that it’s not sustainable. And so they are lashing out”. Another senior U.S. official noted with respect to the 29 December strikes that the targets “on the Syrian side of the border were, I think even more significant in many ways, although I’m not going to get into why”.

A senior U.S. official indicated that “it’s been longstanding U.S. policy. That all Iranian-commanded forces – which would include, in our view, Kataeb Hizbollah – leave Syria”. The official further indicated that “we do see threat streams and threatening activities by all of these [Iran-supported] forces that are of concern to us from a force protection standpoint… we can respond not just in Iraq, but we can respond anywhere that we think it makes sense to us and to the interests and security of our partners and allies in dealing with this threat to the region”.

In a conversation with the UN secretary-general, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed “the recent attacks in Iraq that led to the tragic death of an American citizen and put many other American lives at risk”. According to the U.S. readout of the conversation, “the Secretary reiterated that defensive actions [against five Kataeb Hizbollah bases in Iraq and Syria] taken by the U.S. in response were aimed at deterring Iran”.

Referring to 29 December U.S. strikes against five Kataeb Hizbollah bases in Iraq and Syria, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo maintained that “this was a defensive action designed to protect American forces and American citizens in Iraq, and it was aimed also at deterring Iran. This was an Iranian-backed rogue militia acting to deny the Iraqi people their basic sovereignty. It’s Qasem Soleimani, it’s the ayatollah working to expand their terror campaign all around the world. They took a strike at an American facility. President Trump’s been pretty darn patient, and he’s made clear at the same time that when Americans’ lives were at risk we would respond”. “Our mission continues to try and get the Islamic Republic of Iran to behave like a normal nation”, Pompeo added. “We just want Iran to stop their terror campaign. We want them to agree that they won’t have nuclear weapons, that they won’t enrich uranium, a set of basic things”.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi responded to U.S. strikes against Kataeb Hizbollah bases in Iraq and Syria by calling the operation “an unacceptable vicious assault that will have dangerous consequences”. Iraqi President Barham Saleh described the 29 December action, which followed a 27 December rocket attack against a military facility near Kirkuk, as “unacceptable and considered as an aggressive action and violation of Iraqi sovereignty”. The Iraqi Security Council underlined that the attack "violates the goals and principles for which the international coalition is formed… [and] pushes Iraq to review the relationship and security and political and legal work contexts in a manner that preserves the sovereignty and security of the country, protecting the lives of its children and promoting common interests”.

In a statement following 29 December U.S. strikes against Kataeb Hizbollah bases in Iraq and Syria, the IRGC said the operation “was a violation of Iraq’s national sovereignty” and contended that “the Iraqi people and PMU [Popular Mobilisation Units] have the right to retaliate and respond to the recent great U.S. crime”. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson commented that “the U.S. has demonstrated its decisive support for terrorism and disregard for the independence and sovereignty of nations by launching these attacks”, adding that “it must accept the responsibility for the consequences of such illegal measure”.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz asserted that the Pentagon's "announcement that the U.S. attacked five Kataeb Hizbollah targets in Iraq and Syria in response to the attack on the K1 base is a turning point in the regional response to Iran and its proxies. If Iran fails to understand the power of the U.S. they will be making a big mistake". In a conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo the following day, Prime Minister Netanyahu "commended… the important U.S. action against Iran and its proxies in the region". 

Following a 27 December rocket attack against an Iraqi military base near Kirkuk that hosts U.S. forces, the Pentagon confirmed that “U.S. forces have conducted precision defensive strikes against five Kataeb Hizbollah facilities in Iraq and Syria that will degrade Kataeb Hizbollah's ability to conduct future attacks against OIR (Operation Inherent Resolve) coalition forces”. Asserting that “KH has a strong linkage with Iran’s Qods force and has repeatedly received lethal aid and other support from Iran that it has used to attack OIR coalition forces”, a senior U.S. defence official underscored that “the U.S. and its coalition partners fully respect Iraqi sovereignty, and support a strong and independent Iraq. The U.S., however, will not be deterred from exercising its right of self-defence”. The statement further emphasised that “Iran and their Kataeb Hizbollah proxy forces must cease their attacks on U.S. and coalition forces, and respect Iraq's sovereignty, to prevent additional defensive actions by U.S. forces”.

The U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition announced that “one U.S. civilian contractor was killed and several U.S. service members and Iraqi personnel were wounded in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base in Kirkuk” on 27 December.

Israel’s military chief of staff assessed that “there is a possibility that we will face a limited confrontation with Iran and we are preparing for it”. He went on to assert that “we will not allow Iran to entrench itself in Syria, or in Iraq… Iraq is undergoing a civil war, when the Qods force is operating there on a daily basis, when the country itself has turned into an ungoverned area. Advanced weapons are being smuggled by the Qods force in Iraq on a monthly basis and we can’t allow that”.

A senior U.S. diplomat met with senior Iraqi officials in Baghdad and “called for steps to protect protestors, journalists and civil society activists from assassination and violence at the behest of armed groups”, while expressing “America’s enduring commitment to a secure, stable and sovereign Iraq, free of external intervention”. According to an Iraqi readout of the conversation with President Salih, the president underlined that “the solutions to the current situation in Iraq should be in response to the Iraq's national decision and free from external interference”.

Commenting on U.S. diplomatic staffing in Iraq, a senior U.S. official asserted that “the adjustments we’re making largely are based on the high level of security threats from individuals like Qasem Soleimani. We want to make sure that we’ve got the smallest target offered to them as possible, but one that – a team that is still capable of getting the mission done”. “That mission”, the official added, “is very much protecting and defending and trying to build Iraqi sovereignty so that people like Soleimani don’t have the run of the town that they currently have”. Asked whether “this move will send a wrong signal”, the official reiterated that “the protesters are telling us something very clearly… They don’t want foreign interference in their selection of their leadership and how their government runs. They want a positive partnership from us, and that’s what we’re offering”. Responding to a question on “who’s targeting the protesters”, the official said: “there’s a third – shadowy third party… It’s the Iranians… And it’s their proxies in Iraq”.

Discussing rocket attacks against military bases in Iraq, the U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper indicated that “we would ask our Iraqi partners to take more proactive actions… to get that under control because it’s not good for anybody”. He further asserted: “my suspicion would be that Iran is behind these attacks, much like they're behind a lot of malign behaviour throughout the region, but it's hard to pin down”. “We need… [Iraq’s] help in terms of getting the security situation under control and stabilised, but we also still retain our right of self-defence”, Esper added.

In a conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi, U.S. Secretary of Defense Esper “called on our Iraqi partners to continue to assist in preventing attacks on U.S. and coalition personnel and facilities in the country”. According to a readout of the conversation from the prime minister’s office, Abdul Mahdi “expressed his concern for those developments, demanding of exerting the efforts all joined in it to prevent that escalation which it will threat all and any kind of decline government and the Iraqi State will encourage for escalation and chaos”. He further “warned that taking unilateral decisions will have negative reactions that are difficult to control and threaten the security, sovereignty and independence of Iraq”.

In a statement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asserted that “Iran’s proxies have recently conducted several attacks against bases where Iraqi Security Forces are co-located with U.S. and International Coalition personnel”, citing 9 December and 11 December rocket attacks at Baghdad International Airport. “The U.S. will continue to work hand-in-hand with our Iraqi partners”, Pompeo continued, adding that “we must also use this opportunity to remind Iran’s leaders that any attacks by them, or their proxies of any identity, that harm Americans, our allies or our interests will be met with a decisive U.S. response”. He further underscored that “Iran must respect the sovereignty of its neighbours and immediately cease its provision of lethal aid and support to third parties in Iraq and throughout the region”. Iran’s government spokesperson subsequently insisted that “the U.S. has provided no evidence for its false claim. Not even a witness… The unwarranted situation in Iraq where people are on the streets and ISIS is coming to power and the ambiguous conditions are caused by the Americans themselves”.

Two rockets hit in the vicinity of Baghdad International Airport; no casualties were reported.

The U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo underlined that “responsibility for how the Government of Lebanon will be formed and shaped falls to the Lebanese people to demand Lebanese sovereignty, Lebanese prosperity, Lebanese freedom from influence, from outside entities. We have a designated terrorist organisation there, Hizbollah… I know that the people of Lebanon understand the risk that that presents to their freedom, their capacity to deliver for themselves. This is not an American proposition; it is the – a proposition of the Lebanese people”. “We do stand ready to do the things that the world can do to assist the Lebanese people of getting their economy righted, getting their government righted”, he added. On Iraq, Pompeo noted that “the Iraqi people want a sovereign, independent Iraq... we’re continuing our counterterrorism campaign in Iraq, and stand ready as the Iraqi government asks us to, to support the Iraqi people in ensuring that the influence from those who don’t want a sovereign, free, and independent Iraq don’t have their way inside of that country”.

The Iraqi military confirmed that four rockets were fired at a military facility near Baghdad International Airport, injuring six.

Prime Minister Netanyahu commented that “Iran is continuing its aggression in the Middle East and is even increasing it”. He further maintained that “there are growing indications that this murderous attack in Baghdad [against protesters on 7 December] was carried out by Shiite Iraqi militias on direct instruction from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. At this time, against this murderousness, the pressure on Iran must be increased”. Netanyahu went on to pledge that “with or without the countries of Europe, Israel will not allow Iran – at any stage – to develop nuclear weapons”.

Airstrikes reportedly targeted “three Iranian-controlled weapons depots” near Al-Bukamal, close to the Iraq-Syria border.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper noted that the “[we] continually assess the situation and make sure we have the right degree of forces in position to deter Iranian bad behaviour, and if necessary, to respond and respond forcefully in a way that they understand that we're serious about defending our friends, reassuring our allies and preventing them from misbehaving”. Asked whether he believed that “the threat from Iran is increasing”, Esper replied: “I think you could make that assessment given the effectiveness of the maximum pressure campaign, given what's happening in the streets of Iran these days… you see a regime increasingly under stress. I think we need to be prepared for any contingency”. He further maintained that “there have been reports in the public space about rockets being fired at American forces on bases in Iraq. So we've seen a little bit of an uptick there. And that's, again, another indicator for us of Iran reaching out”. “As they experience more stress, I need to be ensured that we have sufficient forces on the ground again, to reassure our allies help defend them, defend the international order and deter Iranian bad behavior”, Esper added.

The U.S. Treasury Department “designated three leaders of Iran-backed militias in Iraq that opened fire on peaceful protests, killing dozens of innocent civilians” in addition to an Iraqi businessman whom it said was “bribing government officials and engaging in corruption at the expense of the Iraqi people”. A senior U.S. diplomat contended that “three of today’s designees… were directed by Iranian regime when they or the armed groups they lead committed serious human rights abuses”. “We will be doing further designations in the future”, he added, further explaining that “if you are perpetrating violence against protesters, regardless of whether you are in the government or outside the government, you’re at risk of being designated”.

A senior U.S. diplomat remarked that “for several months, the Iraqi people have led a patriotic quest for genuine reform and transparency in government. The have gone to the streets to raise their voices for a just government with leaders who will put Iraq’s national interests first… Iraqis are fed up with economic stagnation, endemic corruption and mismanagement”. He added that “Iraqis have paid a steep and bloody price for the malign influence of Iranian regime. Tehran claims it is exporting ‘revolution’. It is increasingly clear to us and the people of the region, however, that the theocracy’s top export is corruption and repression”. The senior diplomat further maintained that “the U.S. government will work with anyone in the Iraqi government who is willing to put Iraqi interests first… But we see in the process of establishing a new government or determining who the next prime minister will be that Qasem Soleimani is in Baghdad working this issue. It seems to us that foreign terrorist leaders, or military leaders, should not be meeting with Iraqi political leaders to determine the next premier of Iraq”. “This is unorthodox and it is incredibly problematic, and it is a huge violation of Iraqi sovereignty”, he continued.

A senior U.S. diplomat indicated that “there’s been great attention lately being paid to these reports about Iranian ballistic missiles being stored in Iraq… I think this is drawing greater attention as Iranian-backed militias are now shelling Iraq bases with American and Anti-ISIS coalition forces on them”. Referring to an incident the previous day at Balad air base the official assessed that “if past is prologue, I’d say there’s a good chance it was Iran that’s behind it”. Asked whether he was contending that “the maximum pressure campaign is a success because it has resulted in greater Iranian aggression and shooting down U.S. drones”, the diplomat responded by stressing that “the pressure campaign is working. They [ie, Iran] are clearly under fear and pressure, and they are lashing out… Things sometimes get worse before they get better in those terms”.

Citing unnamed U.S. officials, media reports indicated that Iran was developing “a hidden arsenal of short-range ballistic missiles in Iraq”.

A senior U.S. diplomat contended that “the demonstrations [in Iraq] are fueled by anger arising from the results of Iran’s destabilising influence. As recently as this weekend, Iran’s IRGC-QF (or IRGC Qod[s] force) commander, Qasem Soleimani… was widely reported to have been in Baghdad once again meeting with, threatening, and cajoling politicians. This is just the type of unacceptable interference Iraqis are protesting in the streets”. He added that “people are demanding an end to Iran’s mafioso rules, such as arming terrorist groups like Kataeb Hizbollah, calling the shots among political party bosses, dumping agricultural goods on Iraqi markets and peddling counterfeit or expired pharmaceuticals”. “Iraqis increasingly view Iran as having coopted and exploited Iraq’s political system, its economy and its security at the expense of the Iraqi people, and this has clearly made Iran nervous”, the official further asserted. He additionally noted that “we will not hesitate to use all the tools at our disposal, including designations under the Global Magnitsky Act, to sanction corrupt individuals who are stealing the public wealth of the Iraqi people and those killing and wounding peaceful protesters”.

A senior U.S. defence official reported that there had been “indications… that potential Iranian aggression could occur”. “We’ve sent very clear and blunt signals to the Iranian government about the potential consequences of aggression”, he added.

A facility near al-Bukamal that media reports described as Iran-linked was reportedly hit by airstrikes. Prime Minister Netanyahu, asked whether he had authorised the attack, responded: “I don’t talk about that”.

Speaking alongside U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Prime Minister Netanyahu remarked that “we have been fortunate that President Trump has led a consistent policy of pressure against Iran. Iran is increasing its aggression as we speak even today in the region. They’re trying to have staging grounds against us and the region from Iran itself, from Iraq, from Syria, from Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen, and we are actively engaged in countering that aggression”. Netanyahu further maintained that “Iran’s aggression is growing, but its empire is tottering. And I say let’s make it totter even further”. Secretary Pompeo, citing unrest in Iraq, Lebanon and Iran, stated that “some of these are people that are seeking freedom and a reasonable way to live, and they recognise the threat that is posed by the kleptocrats that are running the Islamic Republic of Iran”.

Five rockets hit a military facility in Anbar province that bases U.S. troops; there were no reported casualties.

Referring to Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi’s resignation amidst nationwide protests, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo remarked that “he did so because the people were demanding freedom and the security forces had killed dozens and dozens of people. That’s due in large part to Iranian influence there. Pompeo further argued that “the Iraqi leaders [are] trying to push back against these Iranian militias who are denying sovereignty for the Iraqi people. All they really want is to have a free, independent, sovereign Iraq, and yet you’ve got Iranian arms and Iranian military driving inside of that country”.

A senior U.S. diplomat indicated that “we want the Iraqis to get a government that is responsive to their legitimate demands – reform, anti-corruption. This is a process that should be handled by the Iraqis and managed by the Iraqis. We don’t have parameters for timing. We want to see an end to the violence”. He went on to maintain that “we have been a reliable partner to Iraq. I expect that we will continue to be a reliable partner, helping to build their capacity to defend themselves and to exert their sovereignty and to help defeat ISIS and… prevent a resurgence of ISIS in Iraqi territory.  So, I would expect that we will continue to have that kind of relationship with the Iraqi government and also have economic investments in the country, et cetera, going forward”. Asked about attacks by Iraqi demonstrators on Iran’s Najaf consulate, the senior diplomat remarked that “generally speaking – and specifically speaking – the U.S. believes that – the inviolability of the diplomatic facilities”.

Following Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi’s resignation amidst nationwide protests in Iraq, a senior U.S. diplomat contended that “Iraqis increasingly view Iran as having coopted and exploited Iraq’s political system, its economy and its security at the expense of the Iraqi people, and this has clearly made Iran nervous, so nervous that, once again, Qods force commander [Soleimani] and the Iranian regime’s chief shadow diplomat is… in Baghdad interfering in Iraqi politics”. He went on to maintain that “as Iraqi leaders consider options over the coming days to address the current crisis, their foremost consideration should be meeting the needs of the Iraqi people and rejecting and – the distorting influence Iran has exerted on the political process”. “We call on the government of Iraq to respect the rights of the Iraqi people and urge the government to investigate and hold accountable those who attempt to brutally silence peaceful protesters”, the official added.

Prime Minister Netanyahu remarked that “in Tehran, in Baghdad, in Beirut, people are taking to the streets. They are being slaughtered by the hundreds, yet they continue to protest. The tyrants of Tehran shoot them to no avail”. “In Baghdad”, he continued, “Iran's cronies have killed hundreds of Iraqis… In Beirut, Hizbollah thugs attack peaceful demonstrators”. “What is driving these people to risk their lives and stand up to their oppressors?”, Netanyahu asked. “The answer is simple. They are fed up. They're fed up with corruption. They're fed up with failing economies. They're fed off with the siphoning off of their treasure and their lives to Iran's wars of aggression in the region”.

A rocket landed inside Baghdad's Green Zone; there were no reported injuries or significant damage.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo indicated that “President Trump’s strategic effort certainly includes sanctions as an element of our efforts to make the [Iranian] leadership change their ways. But it is only one component, we think that has been an effective component, we think they are having to make very difficult choices about whether to feed their people, to provide medicine for their people or if they want to underwrite the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza or Hizbollah in Lebanon”. “We hope they will begin to make the right decision, we hope the people in Iraq will force them to make the right decision”, he added. Pompeo went on to elaborate that “our campaign has also been political and diplomatic, to get countries around the world to recognise Iran as the largest state sponsor of terrorism... We are trying to unite the world alongside us, including the Europeans, who have taken a very different approach on the JCPOA, and President Trump is working to ensure that the Islamic Republic of Iran knows that they cannot engage in an activity like they have without there being a cost”. He additionally referred to “an increase in our deterrence capabilities by our activity in the Strait of Hormuz” as well as military deployments and weapons sales to U.S. allies in the Gulf and stated: “we hope that the combination of those things will restore deterrence to a level that is satisfactory, and the leadership will understand that there is a cost to their malign activity wherever it takes place”.

Amidst protests in Iraq, Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi announced that he would resign. The parliament approved his resignation on 1 December.

Amidst protests in Iraq, demonstrators set fire to Iran’s consulate in Najaf. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry of Iraq condemned the attack “in the strongest terms” and contended that “its purpose is clear; to harm the historical relations between Iraq and Iran and countries of the world whose missions are in Iraq”. The ministry further urged “demonstrators to be vigilant against those suspects who want to discredit demonstrations that call for reform”. On a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Iraq’s foreign minister “expressed his regret for what happened”, while emphasising “Baghdad’s adherence to strategic relations with Tehran and its aspiration to strengthen bilateral relations by expanding the circle of cooperation to achieve common interests between the two countries; and serve the two friendly peoples”.

The U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, met with his Iraqi counterpart in Baghdad.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei maintained that “the domineering powers have always opposed the independence of nations and insulted them. In this regard, they never hesitate to express their intentions, as the Americans explicitly say they have entered the east of the Euphrates for Syrian oil. Or they say that they have entered the military bases in Iraq without permission, completely disregarding the government and capital of the country”.

Commenting on violence during protests in Iraq, a senior U.S. official asserted that “we have called for restraint in the security apparatus and are calling for peaceful demonstrations, but there have been cases where there’s been excessive force used”. He went on to indicate that “we are continuing a process of investigation from our side to determine who’s responsible for some of the atrocities, and we will move ahead with designations on that front”.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo maintained that “our mission there [in Iraq] is largely a counterterrorism mission and that’s what our troops are on the ground for”. He further characterised Vice President Pence’s trip to Iraq as “an effort to try and help the Iraqi people stand up a free and independent and sovereign Iraq. That’s our goal for the Iraqi people, and we’re prepared to work with the Iraqi leadership… to try and deliver that on behalf of the Iraqis”. Pompeo went on to say that “we have no qualms in talking about the fact that we think the Iranian presence there is harmful to that, decreases the risk that the Iraqi people can have the sovereignty that they so richly deserve, and we’re confident that the Iraqi leadership wants the same thing that we’re helping them work towards”.

Prime Minister Netanyahu asserted that “Iran’s aggression in our region, and against us, continues. We are taking all necessary actions to prevent Iran from entrenching here in our region. This includes the activity necessary to thwart the transfer of lethal weaponry from Iran to Syria, whether by air or overland”. “We will also take action to thwart Iran's effort to turn Iraq and Yemen into bases for launching rockets and missiles against the State of Israel”, he added. Citing remarks by a senior U.S. defence official who had indicated that “it is very possible they [the Iranians] will attack again”, Netanyahu stated that “I can confirm that and I can also confirm to you that we are continuing our plans to thwart this aggression by various means”.

During a visit to Iraq, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence stressed that “we continue to be concerned about the malign influence of Iran across Iraq… I spoke with Prime Minister Abdul-Mahdi about that, as well as the leadership here in the Kurdish region government, just to make sure they understand that our commitment is to the Iraqi people, but we want to see an Iraq that is free of the malign influence of Iran and is also respecting the rights and the voices of all of its people”.

Israel’s foreign minister contended that “now is the time for the world, led by the U.S., to have an effective military threat against the Iranian regime, if it will continue its nuclear program”. He added that “we will strike at whomever threatens us… That is what we have always done, and what we will continue to do in the future”. Commenting on the U.S. maximum pressure policy, the foreign minister indicated that “we see the demonstrations in Iraq, Lebanon and also in Iran, and it is clear that the pressure is working… the public in the Arab states and in Iran itself are rising against Iran’s brutal oppression”. He further underscored that “we have no conflict with the Gulf states, and we have common interests in the field of security against the Iranian threat”.

Referring to protests in Iraq, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asserted “the U.S. has watched the protests very, very closely. We support the Iraqi people as they strive for a prosperous Iraq that is free of corruption and Iranian malign influence”. He went on to say that “we will not stand idle while the corrupt officials make the Iraqi people suffer. Today, I am affirming the U.S. will use our legal authorities to sanction corrupt individuals that are stealing Iraqis’ wealth and those killing and wounding peaceful protesters”. “Like the Iraqi people taking to the streets today”, Pompeo maintained, “our sanctions will not discriminate between religious sect or ethnicity. They will simply target those who do wrong to the Iraqi people, no matter who they are”.

One rocket reportedly landed inside the Green Zone; no injuries were reported.

Iranian President Rouhani remarked that "we have no doubt that if the Iraqi people take to the streets to solve problems, have more prosperity and warn their rulers, they [the U.S.] want to take advantage of it and transform this popular movement into killing and discord, or when the Lebanese people want to solve their problems by holding protests and gatherings, the country that wants to take advantage of it and turn the protests into a civil war is America”.

Hizbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah argued that “when we say that we need a sovereign government, we mean that it rejects the U.S. orders and follows the national interests. The Americans are to be blamed for impeding the economic process in Lebanon, and the Lebanese officials are expected to hold their responsibilities”. Nasrallah also asserted that “claims that missiles will be sent to Hizbollah via the al-Bukamal border crossings are baseless. We have an overload of missiles in Lebanon, and we don’t know where to store them”.

Iraqi President Barham Salih stressed that “reform in Iraq is a purely Iraqi decision, and it is the response to the will of Iraqis… [and] any external intervention is rejected and unacceptable”.

The White House issued a statement asserting that it was “seriously concerned by continued attacks against protestors, civic activists, and the media, as well as restrictions on Internet access, in Iraq”, which since early October had been witnessing widespread protests. The statement went on to say that “Iraqis won’t stand by as the Iranian regime drains their resources and uses armed groups and political allies to stop them from peacefully expressing their views”. It further noted that “the U.S. joins the UN Assistance Mission to Iraq in calling on the Iraqi government to halt the violence against protesters and fulfill President Salih’s promise to pass electoral reform and hold early elections”.

Several rockets were fired at an Iraqi military facility outside Mosul where U.S.-led coalition troops were based; there were no casualties. A coalition spokesperson asserted that “we will not be deterred by these attacks and maintain the right to defend ourselves”.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that “the struggle for freedom continues… we see it in the streets of Beirut. We see it in the streets of Baghdad, where people are rising up against the Islamic Republic of Iran. They want to be Lebanese, not Hizbollah. They want to be Iraqi, not part of an Iranian militia”.

Responding to a question asking if “the U.S. [is] operating under the timeline of four weeks that the Iraqi government referenced for getting those forces [moved from Syria] out of Iraq”, a senior U.S. defence official said that “we’re in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government… we’ve committed to working with them on a timeline. I don’t believe that there has been an agreed upon, exact end-date because they’re committed to the D-ISIS mission, as well, and they know that some of the forces that we’re moving through are going to be helpful into that mission”.  

Iran's military chief of staff reiterated that “the enemies have in recent days implemented plots in Lebanon and Iraq to misuse people's righteous demands and empower proxy governments but senior clerics and the Lebanese and Iraqi people confronted their plots”. “No one is entitled to interfere in these countries”, he added. 

Reacting to protests in Iraq, the U.S. embassy in Baghdad issued a statement affirming that “the U.S. has a strong and abiding interest in a secure and prosperous Iraq able to defend the nation against violent extremist groups and able to deter those who would undermine Iraqi sovereignty and democracy”. The statement added that “the government of Iraq and the country’s political leaders must engage seriously and urgently with Iraqi citizens who are demanding reform. There is no path forward based on suppression of the will of the Iraqi people”.  

U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo argued that “the Iraqi and Lebanese people want their countries back. They are discovering that the Iranian regime’s top export is corruption, badly disguised as revolution”. Pompeo went on to assert that “Iraq and Lebanon deserve to set their own courses free from [Iranian Supreme Leader Ali] Khamenei’s meddling”. 

Israel’s foreign minister took to Twitter to “sympathise with the Iraqi people's protest for freedom and dignity”. “We condemn their repression and murder led by Qassem Soleimani and Iranian Revolutionary Guards”, he added.

In a statement following protests at an Iranian diplomatic facility in Karbala, Iraq’s foreign ministry asserted that “the security of [diplomatic] missions and consulates is a red line that cannot be overstepped… such practices will not impact friendship and neighbourhood relations between the two neighbouring countries”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson subsequently indicated that “Iran has conveyed its concerns through political channels to the host government, emphasised the need for protecting the security of our country’s diplomatic and consular buildings in Iraq within the framework of international regulations and conventions and called for the necessary action and intensified measures to protect our country’s diplomatic missions in Iraq”.

Iraq’s foreign ministry issued a statement expressing that “with the continuation of the popular protests calling for reform, and the issuance of statements by foreign countries and international organisations, the Iraqi government affirms the respect of the will of Iraqis to claim their rights guaranteed by the Iraqi constitution”. “Commenting on the reactions of foreign parties regarding the current situation in Iraq”, the statement added, “the Iraqi government calls on all parties to abide by the principle of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in Iraqi internal affairs”.

The U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, stated that “Iraq has not been able to eliminate its dependency on Iranian electricity. So we have granted waivers... and during the last year Iraq has taken a number of very good steps to reduce that dependency. They’re not there yet”. “But each time that we have been faced with the decision on whether to renew the waiver”, Hook added, “we take a very hard look at what Iraq has done concretely during each period to show progress so that they’re not dependent on Iran”.

Reacting to protests in Iraq, U.S. Secretary of States Mike Pompeo stated that “the U.S. welcomes any serious efforts made by the Government of Iraq to address the ongoing problems in Iraqi society. The Government of Iraq should listen to the legitimate demands made by the Iraqi people who have taken to the streets to have their voices heard”. Pompeo added that “the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and from the beginning we have called on all sides to reject violence… the Iraqi people deserve genuine accountability and justice”.

The U.S. State Department in its Country Reports on Terrorism 2018 contended that “the Iran-backed, U.S.-designated FTO [Foreign Terrorist Organisation], Kataib Hizbollah, continued to operate in Iraq during 2018. Iran-aligned Iraqi militias instigated violent and destabilising activities in Iraq and within the region.” The report went on to assert that “Iran-supported Shiite militias in Iraq have also committed serious human rights abuses against primarily Sunni civilians”. 

Prime Minister Netanyahu remarked that “the area around us is stormy and restive. Threats lurk in every corner – in Syria, in Lebanon, in the Gaza Strip, as well as in Iraq, Yemen and directly in Iran. Where not? Iranian and pro-Iranian forces are relentlessly arming themselves”. He went on to assert that “we are prepared for the threats and will not hesitate to strike harshly at anyone who tries to attack us. Iran’s threshold of daring in the region is rising and it grows even more in the absence of a response. However, Israel will not turn the other cheek. Whoever is bent on aggression – will meet with a vigorous response, and will pay a heavy price”.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reacted to protests in Iraq and Lebanon by calling on “those who care in Iraq and Lebanon [to] remedy the insecurity and turmoil created in their countries by the U.S., the Zionist regime [Israel], some western countries and the money of some reactionary countries… the people have justifiable demands, but they should know their demands can only fulfilled within the legal structure and framework”. Khamenei added that “the enemies engaged in the same plots against Iran; but fortunately, people acted in a timely manner, and the sedition was nullified”.

Iraq’s defence minister confirmed that a missile landed close to a military facility outside Baghdad that has a U.S. contingent present, adding that “Camp Taji is witnessing security stability and there is no damage”.

Prime Minister Netanyahu contended that “Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons. It’s transgressing on its agreement and commitment. Iran wants to develop precision guided missiles that can hit any target in Israel within five to ten meters. It’s doing that. Iran wants to use Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen as bases to attack Israel with statistical missiles and precision-guided missiles.” He went on to assert that “to ward off this danger… you have to be strong militarily. And to be strong militarily, we have to shift now money from the civilian areas to the military areas”.

Speaking alongside U.S. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, Prime Minister Netanyahu argued that “Iran is seeking to develop now precision-guided munitions, missiles that can hit any target in the Middle East with a circumference of five to ten metres. They are developing this in Iran. They want to place them in Iraq and in Syria, and to convert Lebanon’s arsenal of 130,000 statistical rockets to precision-guided munitions. They seek also to develop that, and have already begun to put that in Yemen, with the goal of reaching Israel from there, too”. He further asserted that “Iran is the single greatest threat to stability and peace in the Middle East”, and urged Mnuchin “to put even more” sanctions on Iran.

Iraqi Prime Minister met with the U.S Secretary of Defence in Baghdad and discussed U.S. forces withdrawal from Syria to Iraq. The prime minister’s office later confirmed that the U.S. had agreed that “forces withdrawing from Syria towards Iraq will withdraw from Iraqi territory with the permission and consent of the Government of Iraq”. Separately, the Iraqi Defence Minister told reporters that U.S. troops leaving Syria would depart Iraq within four weeks.

U.S. Secretary of Defence Mark Esper explained that “the U.S. withdrawal continues apace from north-eastern Syria... we’re talking weeks not days”. He further announced that “the current game plan is for those forces to re-position into western Iraq…to help defend Iraq”.

The U.S. confirmed a 120-day extension on sanctions waivers for Iraqi energy imports from Iran, with the State Department asserting that “the waiver ensures that Iraq is able to meet its short-term energy needs while it takes steps to reduce its dependence on Iranian energy imports”.

Secretary of State Pompeo announced that he had discussed with Iraqi President Barham Salih “our concerns over ongoing Turkish military incursion into north east Syria and the need for Turkey to stop its military offensive”.

Iran’s Intelligence Minister announced that two “terrorist teams” had been captured in south-western Iran, and that security services had additionally neutralised a pair of bombs purportedly intended to target pilgrims en route to Iraq.

Foreign Minister Javad Zarif stated that “a small group has tried to misuse the protests in Iraq and they are not the representative in Iraqi people”. He added that the “Iraqi government has acknowledged that the people's legitimate demands stemmed from the shortages and Iranian officials consider Iraqis as vigilant people who will not permit others [to] misuse their dissatisfaction”.

Secretary of State Pompeo told Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi “that peaceful public demonstrations are a fundamental element of all democracies, and emphasised that there is no place for violence in demonstrations, either by security forces or protestors”. Pompeo additionally “reaffirmed the U.S. enduring commitment to a strong, sovereign and prosperous Iraq, as outlined in our bilateral Strategic Framework Agreement”. He also called for “immediate steps to address the protestors’ grievances by enacting reforms and tackling corruption”.

An Iranian security official indicated that “we have good intelligence dominance on the borders… Developments in the border areas are monitored by the most up-to-date control equipment and with coordination between the Iranian and Iraqi border guards and no danger threatens the security of the pilgrims”.

Amid protests in Iraq, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated that “Iran and Iraq are two nations whose bodies, hearts and souls are connected to each other through their faith in Allah… and their ties grow stronger on a daily basis. The enemies seek to divide [them] but they have failed. Their conspiracy will have no impact”.

Referring to protests in Iraq, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani remarked that “the government and political sides have not answered the demands of the people to fight corruption or achieved anything on the ground…Lawmakers hold the biggest responsibility for what is happening”.

The spokesperson for the U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition indicated that “the Coalition is monitoring reports of protests [in Iraq]. We call on all sides to reduce tensions and reject violence”. He also noted that “this morning’s explosions in the International Zone are under investigation by Iraqi Security Forces… no Coalition facility was struck”. The spokesperson added that “Coalition troops always reserve the right to defend ourselves; attacks on our personnel will not be tolerated”.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a travel advisory calling on Arbaeen pilgrims “to postpone their visit to Iraq until calm is restored to the country” amid protests in Baghdad and elsewhere.

Iraq and Syria reopened the border crossing at al-Qaim.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, referring to a string of attacks against paramilitary facilities in the country, asserted that “some of the investigations carried out by Iraqi authorities provided important indications that Israel was behind some of these attacks”, though there was no “tangible evidence”.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi stated that “nobody possesses the weapons necessary to deal their adversary a fatal blow. Chaos and destruction will hit the region in its entirety”. He went on to say that “everybody is open to dialogue. Iran says [it is] willing to negotiate if sanctions are lifted; the U.S. [also] asks for dialogue ... neither does Saudi Arabia close the door for dialogue”. He also indicated that “there are many countries, and Iraq is one of them, that can offer a solution or a place for a solution to be found”.

Iraqi President Bahram Salih asserted that “our ambitions are prey to regional politics, and they may be dashed if our neighbours and our allies are at loggerheads… Iraq has no intention of being dragged into regional conflicts. Iraq intends to protect its own interests and will not allow itself to be used as a base to attack its neighbours, or as a battleground for their proxies”. He went on to say that “it is in our interest to act as a stabilising force and use our key strategic position and good relations with our neighbours to eradicate extremism… it is in everyone’s interest for the Middle East to overcome conflict”.

Two rockets reportedly hit an area close to the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. In a statement the following day, the U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition indicated that “no Coalition or U.S.-occupied facility was struck; but we take this incident seriously as do our Iraqi Security Forces partners”. “We have made clear that attacks on Coalition personnel and facilities will not be tolerated and Coalition forces retain the right to defend ourselves”, the statement added. The U.S. embassy in Baghdad also issued a security alert warning “of heightened tensions in the region”.

Foreign Minister Zarif described the U.S. decision to bolster its forces in Saudi Arabia as “posturing”, and added that he was “confident that Iran did not play a role” in the 14 September attacks against Saudi energy facilities. Zarif also noted in passing that “the Israelis are attacking parts of [the] Iraqi military”. He went on to state that “we’re ready to talk [with President Trump]… we need to talk about something that is permanent. That would last”. Zarif additionally warned that “I’m not confident that we can avoid a war… I’m confident that we will not start one but I’m confident that whoever starts one will not be the one who finishes it”.

Iran’s President Rouhani remarked that “it is strange that the enemies of the region have not yet understood the power of the regional nations’ resistance… instead of admitting that Lebanon’s Hizbollah has high capabilities and power both in scientific and military knowledge and bravery in the field, or that a part of brave young people of Iraq have liberated different cities across the country from the hands of terrorists, and instead of admitting to the growth and greatness of nations like Syria and Yemen, they are seeking to accuse others”.

President Rouhani stated that Israel “has increased the number of its acts of aggression on the Syrian soil in recent months, and its officials have claimed responsibility for the aggressions and have extended their attacks to Iraq and Lebanon”. He further asserted that “these attacks are a clear example of provocative and illegal hostile acts that can cause widespread tension and conflict in the region”.

In a statement, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi’s office indicated that “Iraq denies what has been circulated by some media outlets and social media about the use of its territories to attack Saudi oil facilities by drones”.  

In a statement, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi’s office indicated that “Iraq denies what has been circulated by some media outlets and social media about the use of its territories to attack Saudi oil facilities by drones”.  

A paramilitary weapons facility in Anbar was reportedly hit by a drone attack.

Airstrikes reportedly targeted “Iran-backed militias” near Al-Bukamal, close to the Iraq-Syria border.

President Rouhani spoke by phone with his French counterpart and asserted that “if Europe cannot put its commitments into operation, Iran will take the third step in reducing its JCPOA commitments, which of course will be reversible”. He additionally underscored “that the continuation of negotiations for settling problems is the right decision and we need to continue along this path until we reach a desired point”. Rouhani also told Macron that “the leaders of the Zionist regime [i.e. Israel] have made countless miscalculations towards other countries like Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria, and they are announcing their acts of aggression proudly instead of apologising”.

Prime Minister Netanyahu told French President Macron that “Israel would defend itself against aggression against it and prevent its enemies who seek its destruction from arming themselves with lethal weaponry”. He further noted that “those who provide shelter for aggression and arming will not be immune. Netanyahu also advised Macron that “the present – when Iran is stepping up its aggression in the region – is precisely the wrong time to talk with Iran”.

In a statement, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry announced that it “rejects and condemns the Bahraini Foreign Minister’s tweet about the recent attacks on Arab territories and the Popular Mobilisation Forces by Zionist enemy [i.e. Israel] under the pretext of self-defence”.

U.S. Vice President Pence conveyed to Iraqi Kurdistan Regional President Barzani “U.S. concerns that Iran-backed militias continue to undermine Iraq’s security and sovereignty”, adding that the administration “will consider additional steps to degrade such groups’ influence”.

Iraq’s president, prime minister and parliamentary speaker met with Hashd officials in Baghdad. A statement from President Barham Salih’s office indicated that the participants “discussed the recent attack against PMF forces… [and] those in attendance agreed that these attacks are blatant, hostile acts aimed at undermining a strong and capable Iraqi government”.

The Pentagon stated that “U.S. forces did not conduct the recent attack on a convoy or any recent attacks that resulted in the explosion of ammunition storage facilities in Iraq… we support Iraqi sovereignty and have repeatedly spoken out against any potential actions by external actors inciting violence in Iraq”.

Prime Minister Netanyahu asserted that “Iran is operating on a broad front to carry out murderous terrorist attacks against the State of Israel. Israel will continue to defend its security however that may be necessary”. He also urged “the international community to act immediately so that Iran halts these attacks”.

Iraqi paramilitary forces announced that two members of the Hizbollah Brigades had been killed in a drone attack near the Iraq-Syria border. 

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated that “I don’t grant Iran immunity anywhere. Iran is a state, a power, that has sworn to annihilate Israel. It’s trying to establish bases against us everywhere. In Iran itself, in Lebanon, in Syria, in Iraq, in Yemen”. Netanyahu went on to say that “we’re acting not only if necessary, we’re acting in very many theatres against a state that seeks to annihilate us. Obviously I’ve given the security forces the order and the operation freedom to do what is necessary in order to disrupt these plots by Iran”.

Iraqi Speaker of the Council of Representatives announced that Iraqi leaders met to examine “the security situation and calling for the investigation of all information about bombings of weapons stores”. He added that the leaders had expressed “the importance of adhering to the position of the Iraqi state with its various executive and legislative institutions rejecting the principle of proxy war, and the attempt of any regional or international party to drag Iraq into war”.  

Secretary of State Pompeo contented that “we're going to continue to do our best to ensure that particular shipment [of crude oil aboard the Grace 1/Adrian Darya 1 tanker] doesn't get into the hands of terrorists so it can risk American lives or lives of citizens in any other part of the world”. He further underscored that “we put in place a set of sanctions designed to deny the ayatollah the wealth to terrorise the world conventionally or with nuclear weapons, and we've been pretty effective”. We can see with Hizbollah…we can see with the Shiite forces in Iraq. We can see that they have fewer dollars. They're having to make really difficult decisions about whether to spend money on defence or just spend money back home”. He added that “we hope they will ultimately conclude that the best thing to do is to rejoin the community of nations, to stop conducting assassination campaigns in Europe, to cease with terror operations supporting Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip or Hizbollah in Lebanon and Syria”. “I don’t know that they will”, Pompeo assessed. “They’re pretty wedded to it, it’s ideological. It’s not even about logic. It’s deeply ingrained in their revolutionary culture, and we hope that the Iranian people will see a way to get the leadership in Iran to change its behaviour”.

Addressing the UN Security Council, Secretary of State Pompeo reiterated that “the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies continue to foment terror and unrest in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen with devastating humanitarian consequences”, adding that “since the U.S. declared our intention to bring all Iranian oil purchases to zero in April, the ayatollah has gone all in on a campaign of extortion diplomacy”. He also indicated that “we are already tracking very closely the JCPOA provisions expiring in October of 2020, namely the UN arms embargo and the travel restrictions on Qasem Soleimani”. “Time is drawing short to continue this activity of restricting Iran’s capacity to foment its terror regime”, Pompeo argued. “The international community will have plenty of time to see how long it has until Iran is unshackled to create new turmoil, and figure out what it must do to prevent this from happening”. At a press conference, Pompeo stated that “Iran’s continued development and testing of advanced ballistic missiles in defiance of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 is also an issue that the international community must address”.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated that “Iran has no immunity, anywhere… we will act – and currently are acting – against them, wherever it is necessary”.

Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Hatami told a visiting Iraqi minister that “fortifying Iraq’s defence power is one of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s main strategies”. He added that “we deem the security of Iraq as being in line with our own security, and care about Iraq’s security to the same extent that we make efforts for our own stability and security”.

National Security Advisor John Bolton asserted that Iran is “a country that never really made the key decision to give up nuclear weapons. They have not modified their widespread support for international terrorism. They've not given up their troublemaking in the Middle East, in Iraq and Syria and Yemen. They’re still a threat in the Persian Gulf to oil, they’re a threat to our forces, not just in Iraq and Syria, but now in Afghanistan”. “This is a regime really that needs a fundamental change in its behaviour”, Bolton added.

Unconfirmed media reports claimed that Israel had on 19 July and 28 July struck Iran-linked facilities in Iraq.

A paramilitary base in Iraq was reportedly struck by a drone, leaving one killed and two wounded. U.S. Central Command stated that “we are aware of the reports of an attack against the Iranians and a Popular Mobilisation Force unit in Salah al-Din”, adding that “U.S. forces were not involved”.

Vice President Mike Pence remarked that “Iran’s leaders aren’t content to persecute only their own people.  They routinely export violence and terrorism throughout the region, including to their neighbors in Iraq.  To this day, Iranian-backed militias extort and terrorise the people of the Nineveh plain, which is still recovering from the days of ISIS’s brutal reign”. He went on to say that “the U.S. will not stand idly by while Iranian-backed militias spread terror.  And today I’m announcing that the U.S. has placed sanctions on two leaders of Iranian-backed militias for all they’ve done”.

The IRGC announced that it struck positions of “anti-Revolution terrorist groups” in Iraqi Kurdistan following a series of clashes against its forces.

The head of Israel’s foreign intelligence service declared that “we can’t agree to Syria becoming a staging ground for Iranian forces or forces operated by it against us. We can’t agree to Syria becoming a logistics base for transferring weapons to Hizbollah and Lebanon. Israel has taken action in the past four years, overtly and covertly, about which only a small amount has been published, in order to block the entrenchment and the production lines of precision-guided munitions”. The Mossad chief added that “thanks to this effort, I believe the Iranians will reach the conclusion that it’s not worth it for them”. He also indicated that “Iran and Hizbollah are asking to move their bases to northern Syria, an area that they mistakenly believe will be difficult for us to reach. In addition, they are establishing bases and precision missile facilities in Iraq… and Lebanon”.

The head of Israel’s foreign intelligence service blamed Iran for the tanker incidents in the Gulf of Oman and an attack on the Bahrain’s embassy in Iraq, contending that “with certainty, based on the best sources of both Israeli and Western espionage… Iran is behind these attacks. They were approved by Iranian leadership and carried out, in large part, by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its proxies”.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi ordered that “all Popular Mobilisation Forces are to operate as an indivisible part of the armed forces and be subject to the same regulations”.

Iraqi President Barham Salih remarked that “we do not want our territory to be a staging post for any hostile action against any of our neighbours, including Iran…This is definitely not part of the agreement between the Iraqi government and the U.S.”. 

U.S. media reported that the U.S. military had launched a cyberattack against Kataeb Hizbollah, an Iraqi paramilitary group close to Iran.

Secretary of State Pompeo stated that “the U.S. is not evacuating personnel from Balad air base in Iraq”, referring to a facility that had come under mortar fire days earlier and from which, media reports suggested, U.S. contractors were preparing to leave.

A Katyusha rocket landed near an international oil company hub outside to Basra, causing three injuries. A second rocket fell at a separate site in the area.     

The Iraqi military confirmed that a short-range Katyusha missile struck an open area near a military base in Mosul where U.S. troops are also stationed.

The spokesperson for the U.S.-led counter-ISIS campaign confirmed that “indirect fire landed within the perimeter of Camp Taji, Iraq…There were no coalition or partner force casualties, and Iraqi Security Forces are investigating the incident”.

The Iraqi military confirmed that three mortars hit the Balad air base in north of Baghdad, where U.S. troops are training Iraqi forces. There were no causalities reported. 

The U.S. confirmed that "an additional 120-day waiver was granted to allow Iraq to continue to pay for electricity imports from Iran", while also noting ongoing efforts "to work with Iraq to end its dependence on Iranian natural gas and electricity and increase its energy independence". 

The Treasury Department announced "sanctions on an Iraq-based Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) financial conduit... which has trafficked hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of weapons to IRGC-QF-backed Iraqi militias". Two Iraqi individuals were also designated. 

The head of U.S. Central Command maintained that the bolstering of U.S. forces in the region "caused the Iranians to back up a little bit, but I'm not sure they are strategically backing down". "I hesitate to say that deterrence has been established", he added. "We continue to see possible imminent threats". 

President Barham Salih stressed that "the stability and security of Iran, Iraq and other nations are intertwined... in the current situation, we have a historic responsibility to work to reduce the tensions in the region and prevent the escalation of tensions that threatens the stability of regional countries". 

The Iraqi government dissented from the 30 May Arab League joint statement. In his remarks, addressing the Arab leaders, President Barham Salih asserted that “we have a 1,400-kilometre border with them [Iran], multiple ties and relations. We believe that the security and stability of a neighbouring Islamic country is in the interest and one of the foundations of Arab and Islamic countries”.

The U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, addressed Iran’s role in Iraq and opined that “Iran’s foreign policy is designed to dissolve national identities and then to replace them with a sectarian identity to promote sectarian violence to create these paramilitaries and these sort of alternative governments which undermine the authority and the powers of the state”. “We are fully invested in the future of the Iraqi government and its people. We think that we provide a much better offer to the Iraqi people than the Iranian”, Hook added, further assessing that while “we would like to see Iraqi armed forces have the monopoly on force… Iran does not share that vision”.

The U.S.’ diplomatic spokesperson asserted that “our maximum pressure campaign on Iran is designed to deny the Iranian regime, the world’s foremost state sponsor of terrorism, the means to conduct its destructive foreign policy. Our campaign is working”. She elaborated that “the campaign is starving Iran’s proxies of the funds they rely on to operate on behalf of the regime”, citing examples including Hizbollah, Hamas, the Syrian government and Shiite militias in Iraq. She went on to affirm that “we will continue to apply maximum pressure on the Iranian regime to deny it the means to conduct its destructive foreign policy and compel the regime to negotiate a comprehensive new deal that addresses the full scope of its malign behaviour”, while also indicating that “there is a path forward and we will talk tomorrow if they would like to see the bright future that we believe is there for the Iranian people”. The spokesperson further indicated that “we do not want a war with Iran. We want to de-escalate with Iran. In fact, what we seek is to end economic sanctions, to end the maximum pressure campaign”.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif arrived in Baghdad for a two-day trip that included meetings with President Barham Salih, Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and other senior Iraqi leaders. Iraq's parliamentary speaker indicated that "we are ready to solve the crisis between Washington and Tehran if we are asked for that", though "no official request for such mediation" had been submitted.

A senior official at Harakat al-Nujaba, an Iraqi PMU faction sanctioned by the U.S., asserted that "our battle in the region against the U.S. will continue until the end of their occupation and the destruction of the Occupying Regime [i.e. Israel]". "The Iraqi government", he added, "shouldn’t forget that Iran helped and stood by us during our toughest time, when many countries, pioneered by the U.S., left us alone in the fight against Daesh".

Iraqi President Adil Abdul Mahdi indicated that his country would "very soon send delegations to Tehran and Washington to push for calm" amidst heightened U.S.-Iran tension, insisting that "we will not allow Iraq to be a war zone or a launchpad for a war against any state". A senior Iranian official subsequently indicated that "Iran and Iraq have close ties. We won't tell them not to send delegations. But we will listen to what they have to say and respond accordingly".

President Barham Salih reaffirmed that "Iraqis do not want to see this country yet again turn into a zone of proxy conflict... obviously we're very concerned. These tensions [between Iran and the U.S.] are extremely disconcerting in Iraq and in the neighbourhood". Salih also acknowledged that there were some "rogue elements" operating in the country, while underscoring that "we are telling everybody, cool it. This is not the place to have your battles on". The president also described the U.S.' 15 May decision to pull out non-essential personnel from its diplomatic posts in the country as "unwarranted, but we don't want to second-guess the U.S. government". 

The Iraqi military confirmed that "a Katyusha rocket fell in the middle of the Green Zone without causing any losses". A U.S. diplomat subsequently indicated that "we take this incident very seriously. We will hold Iran responsible if any such attacks are conducted by its proxy militia forces or elements of such forces, and will respond to Iran accordingly". 

Bahrain's government asked "all citizens present in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Iraq to leave immediately for their safety and security".  

President Barham Salih met with Iran's envoy to Baghdad, Iraj Masjedi; according to Salih's office "emphasis was placed on the need to adopt a positive dialogue to reduce tensions in the region". 

The leader of Harakat al-Nujaba, an Iraqi PMU faction sanctioned by the U.S., argued that "our enemies want Iraq to be an apathetic society and not react to what is happening in our region. This goes against our beliefs". He also warned of a U.S-Israel-Saudi "media war against the resistance". 

A drone in the vicinity of the U.S. embassy prompted a lockdown until "it was confirmed the UAS [Unmanned Aerial System] did not present a danger to our personnel or facilities".

Asked about the 15 May move to evacuate of non-essential personnel from U.S. diplomatic facilities in Baghdad and Erbil, Secretary Pompeo explained that "all should know that there is real data that underlies the risks that we've identified that caused us to make these decisions... we concluded, giving the escalating risk in the region, that it made sense for us to get those non-essential personnel out of Iraq".

The U.S. embassy in Baghdad announced orders for "the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees from Iraq". 

The Saudi government reported that "two pump stations on the East-West pipeline were attacked by armed drones which caused a fire and minor damage to Pump Station No. 8"; a senior official stressed that "these attacks prove again that it is important for us to face terrorist entities, including the Huthi militias in Yemen that are backed by Iran". A Huthi spokesperson subsequently took responsibility for the action, stating that "this is a message to Saudi Arabia, stop your aggression. Our goal is to respond to the crimes they are committing every day against the Yemeni people".  In June, media reports citing U.S. officials suggested that the drone had been launched from Iraq.

U.S. Central Command indicated that remarks by a senior military official in the U.S.-led counter-ISIS campaign, who had stated that "there's been no increased threat from Iranian-backed forces in Iraq and Syria", "ran counter to the identified credible threats". CENTCOM's statement added that "OIR [Operation Inherent Resolve] is now at a high level of alert as we continue to closely monitor credible and possibly imminent threats to U.S. forces in Iraq". 

Iraqi Electricity Minister Luay al-Khateeb indicated that "at the moment, about 4 gigawatts [roughly one-third of Iraqi electricity] comes directly and indirectly from Iran... this is something that in terms of price and volumes and delivery - there is no alternative. We have explored options in neigbouring countries. There is no alternative that competes on volume or price or speed of delivery to make up for that". He added that "with regards to the import of gas or electricity, this is not going to be an issue in about four years' time... but time matters. We are not talking days, or weeks or months. We need three to four years, and we made that very clear". 

Representatives of Harajat al-Nujaba, an Iraqi militia sanctioned by the U.S., met with Huthi officials 

In a meeting with European diplomats, Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi affirmed "the faith of Iraq in dialogue and understanding to resolve all problems with neighbouring countries" as well as "Iraq's declared position of being not within U.S. sanctions against Iran". 

The leader of an Iraqi militia sanctioned by the U.S. reportedly revealed "the creation of a special brigade to liberate the Golan Heights", adding that "we want to inform the Zionist regime [i.e Israel] that we will not allow their puppet Takrifi groups to shed Muslims' blood with the Zionists' support". 

President Hassan Rouhani told his Iraqi counterpart, Barham Salih, that "all regional countries need to understand the current critical conditions and cooperate with each other to stop U.S. bullying aimed at creating instability in the region". Salih, according to Rouhani's office, asserted that "we have voiced our stances about regional issues clearly. Iraq is against any tension in the region and we will never accept the smallest harm to the people of our Muslim and brotherly neighbour, Iran". 

An IRGC official indicated that "having secured the technology [required] for manufacturing various types of radars, command-and-control centres, ground-to-air missile systems and electronic warfare equipment, the [IRGC] aerospace force is ready to provide the Iraqi defence forces with whatever assistance and experience". 

A senior official in Iran's national oil company indicated that "we aim to establish a NIOC representative office in Iraq to represent the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum in the country". He added that "we are cooperating with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil to set up a mechanism through which those Iranian companies that are approved by NIOC, receive approval from the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and, thus, be able to participate in the implementation of oil projects in the neighbouring state". 

Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami told a delegation of Iraqi military commanders that the "threats and opportunities facing the two countries require military officials of the two countries to consult with each other in relevant issues to secure interests of the two nations in the region, strengthen economic prosperity as well as restore peace and stability in the region". 

After Bahrain's top diplomat suggested that Iraq's Muqtada al-Sadr would be well-served by "directing his words to the Iranian regime that controls his country" instead of referring to Bahrain in recent remarks, the Iraqi government called for an apology and suggested that the official's comments "harm Iraq, its sovereignty and independence, especially when the Bahraini Minister speaks of Iraq being under the control of neighbouring Iran". 

The U.S. embassy in Baghdad on 25 April published a social media post arguing that "corruption is rife in all parts of the Iranian regime, starting at the top", and estimating the wealth of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at $200 billion. In response, the Iraqi government asserted that the post was "a violation of diplomatic norms", underscored its position against serving as "a corridor or a platform for harming neighbouring countries or friendly countries", and urged the embassy to remove the publication in question. 

A senior U.S. military official asserted that "we're going to continue to reach out to our partners and friends in the region to ensure that we make common cause against the threat of Iran... I believe we'll have the resources necessary to deter Iran from taking actions that will be dangerous". He went on to indicate that "over the long term, we're going to reduce our forces in Syria, we recognise that, that's the guidance in which we're operating... that will be something that we will look at very carefully as we go forward". The U.S., he added, would maintain "a long-term presence in Iraq, focussed on the counter-terror mission". 

Iran's Defence Minister, Amir Hatami, told a senior Iraqi military official that Iran would "not allow insecurity to be imposed on the region by foreigners and aggressors again". 

In a conversation with Prime Minister Abdul-Mahdi, Secretary of State Pompeo "reiterated the U.S.' support for a strong, sovereign and prosperous Iraq", and also "underlined his support for Iraq forging closer ties to neighbouring Arab states". 

An Iraqi energy official reiterated that "until now, we have no alternatives to replace imports of Iranian gas", with an increase in purchases expected in mid-2019. 

Responding to comments by Secretary Pompeo assessing that "some 20 per cent of the Iraqi economy is controlled by the IRGC", Prime Minister Abdul-Mahdi reportedly remarked that "I don't know how they have calculated these figures... we enjoy advanced economic ties and business transactions with Iran, but this is different from maintaining economic relations with the Corps". 

A spokesperson for the Fatah alliance, established by Hashd leaders, indicated that "we reject" the U.S. move to designate the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, adding that "we have honour to be in the Islamic resistance that fought and beat terrorism". 

In a meeting with Iran's envoy in Baghdad, President Barham Salih reiterated that "Iraq would not accept to be a starting point for any action that would harm its neighbours or strain the regional situation". 

Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi revealed that "Iraq tried to stop the decision" by the U.S. to designate the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), adding that the move "could have negative repercussions on Iraq and the region". 

Asked to describe the threat posed by Iran, Secretary Pompeo replied that "today there continues to be a concerted assassination effort, campaign, inside of Europe... to allow something like this to happen is just unacceptable. We are working with our partners all around Europe to make sure we all have the right information placed in the right place at the right time to reduce this risk and reduce this threat". "A second component of this is the deterrence effort, which is the undertaking that the U.S. is engaged in to reduce the capacity of the Islamic Republic of Iran to undertake this kind of activity by sanctioning them in a way that force them to have fewer resources so that they can create these risks around the world", Pompeo added. He went on to indicate that "there are European foreign fighter terrorists sitting today in Iraq and in Syria that we now have to figure out a way to make sure do not return to the jihadi battlefield. The efforts that Iran is engaged in in Syria fundamentally make that problem set more difficult, as do Iranian Shiite militias that are not under the control of the Iraqi Security Forces in Iraq". 

Saudi Arabia inaugurated a consulate in Baghdad; Saudi officials also announced "the construction of a sports city for the people of Iraq... and the provision of a $1 billion grant from the Kingdom to Iraq to contribute to its development [and] for the kingdom to be a key partner in the renaissance of Iraq".

The U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, argued that "President Rouhani recently visited Iraq... which he seeks to bring under Iranian control. We ask the Iraqi people to consider this: given how Rouhani treats his own people, just imagine how he will treat you". Hook went on to reveal that "based on declassified U.S. military reports... Iran is responsible for the deaths of at least 608 American service members [in Iraq]. This accounts for 17 per cent of all deaths of U.S. personnel in Iraq from 2003 to 2011. This death toll is in addition to the many thousands of Iraqis killed by the IRGC’s proxies".

Iraqi President Barham Salih remarked that "Iran is an important neighbour to us and it has helped us against oppression and ISIS. It is true that Iran has influence as does Iraq in Iran. The influence is mutual, but the decision-making power ultimately lies in Iraq and its constitutional institutions, meaning the government, parliament and judiciary". He also underscored that "Iraq cannot be a platform to harm any of our neighbours. We absolutely cannot be a part of any plot to target any of our neighbours". 

Iraqi President Barham Salih assessed that "the situation in Syria is dangerous. Some believe that the risks have been limited now with ISIS' defeat. I do not share this view. We must not underestimate the remaining terrorist threat in Syria or the severe humanitarian challenge posed by the displaced and refugees". 

In a call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, President Rouhani emphasised that "Iran is fully ready to implement all agreements made" in his visit to Iraq earlier in the month, adding that "cooperation and negotiation between the officials of the two countries, especially in the southern areas should be promoted". Rouhani also criticised the U.S. move to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, stating that "the worrying talk about violating the rights of the Palestinian and Syrian people, especially on the Golan Heights, are extremely dangerous for the security of the region". 

Following President Trump's decision to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, the Iraqi government asserted that it "strongly opposes the legitimisation of the occupation of the Syria Golan".

Foreign Minister Zarif argued that "[President] Trump and company try to take credit for the 'defeat of ISIS' - which was created and nourished by their invasion of Iraq and their fomenting of unrest in Syria". 

In a statement, President Trump declared that "together with our partners... the U.S. has liberated all ISIS-controlled territory in Syria and Iraq - 100 per cent of the 'caliphate'". "While on occasion these cowards will resurface", Trump went on to note, "they have lost all prestige and power. They are losers and will always be losers". 

Secretary Pompeo remarked that "there's real work to develop democracy in Iraq, to work to develop an independent, sovereign nation there. We are hard at that, and I am confident that the nations of the region, the Gulf states will all work to make sure that Iraq has an opportunity... to be independent from Iran, [a] free and sovereign nation". 

The U.S. extended by 90 days Iraq's sanctions waiver for energy imports from Iran. A senior U.S. diplomat noted that "we are continuing to work with Iraq to end its dependence on Iranian natural gas and electricity and increase its energy dependence. Expanding the use of Iraq's own natural resources and diversifying away from Iran will strengthen Iraq's economy and development as well as encourage a united, democratic and prosperous Iraq free from malign Iranian influence". 

Iran's military chief of staff met with his opposite numbers from Syria and Iraq, pledging that "measures taken by the three countries will continue until terrorists are fully defeated". He also met with the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus. 

U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo maintained that "we're trying to help Iraq become an independent, sovereign state disconnected from any other country... they can be the linchpin of the Middle East, and we're trying to build that out". Recalling a recent decision to designate an Iraqi militia purportedly backed by Iran, Pompeo added that "there may well be other organisations that we designate".

A U.S. diplomatic spokesperson remarked that "we are deeply concerned about any abuses by sectarian armed forces [in Iraq]. Many of those armed groups are aligned with Iran, which shares in the blame for their abuses, and which has used those groups to undermine Iraq's security, stability and sovereignty. [Qods force commander] Soleimani and his Qods force actively seek to use these armed groups to intimidate the Iraqi people and undermine the legitimate authority of Iraq's elected government". He also shared thoughts regarding President Rouhani's visit to Iraq earlier in the week, stating that "we respect Iraq's sovereign right to conduct its foreign relations for the benefit of the Iraqi people... we think it's a shame that Iraq's neighbours don't necessarily see it the same way". "The Iranian regime speaks of cooperation with Iraq", he continued, "but as the Secretary [of State] noted just yesterday, its actions are aimed at subverting Iraqi sovereignty, making Iraq dependent upon Iran and turning Iran into a vassal state". 

Iran's diplomatic spokesperson took issue with Secretary Pompeo's 12 March assertion that "Iran is using its energy to create a vassal state" in Iraq". "Contrary to the U.S.' usual interfering policies, neither of the countries [Iran and Iraq] seeks to impose its will and demands on the other", he riposted. "The leaders of the two countries have decided to stand together in tough conditions. If such a decision and choice irritates U.S. officials, they should not allow themselves to use undiplomatic terms... just because of their absurd anger caused by their selfish wrath".

In remarks on the conclusion of a three-day visit to Iraq, President Rouhani stressed that "no power and third country can divide the great Iranian and Iraqi nations and governments". He added that "regarding regional security issues, we reached good agreements and the two countries have close views about it". 

Secretary Pompeo argued that "Iran uses its energy exports to exert undue influence all across the Middle East, most particularly today on Iraq. While the U.S. is working to develop an independent, sovereign Iraq, Iran is using its energy to create a vassal state. We have worked hard over the past months to reduce the flow of Iranian crude oil around the world, to convince the Iranian leadership to protect its citizens and deliver to its citizens what it is they're asking for, and to reduce the risk of terror and instability throughout the Middle East". Pompeo went on to state that "you know [Iran's] role in global energy markets. We know that role is diminishing. Its exports have tanked due to our pressure campaign, and we have every intention of driving Iranian oil exports to zero just as quickly as we can". "We'll continue with sanctions until Iran behaves in the way normal nations do", Pompeo added, "without threatening assassination campaigns in Europe, conducting terror campaigns throughout Syria and Iraq, without underwriting Hizbollah". 

On the second day of his visit to Iraq, President Rouhani asserted that "the Popular Mobilisation Forces have had, and will have, a very important role in consolidating stability, culture and solidarity in Iraq". At a separate engagement, he remarked that "sowing discord among the countries and people of the region, creating rifts among the ethnic and religious groups, justifying their illegitimate presence in the region, destroying Iraq and Syria and other countries in the region and finally, introducing themselves as the saviour and portraying a violent face for Islam were among the goals of the hegemonic power". "Today, everyone knows that these western powers did not have any role in the elimination of terrorists from the region", he added, further claiming that "terrorism has not finished yet, and it is possible that they make different problems for the peoples of the region, because the Americans are transferring them to Afghanistan, Central Asia and the Caucasus".  

Commenting on President Rouhani's visit to Iraq, the U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, opined that "you have to question the motive. I think what Iran would ultimately like to see happen is Iraq turn into a province of Iran so that they can create a military highway across the northern Middle East that the IRGC can use to ferry missiles and weapons". Hook went on to say that "the Iranian regime wants to replace a national identity. They want to dissolve it and replace it with a Shiite identity. This has been the core of their foreign policy to create sectarian divisions. They want to do that in Iraq as well". Iran's diplomatic spokesperson subsequently argued that "the outrage of the U.S. official comes as no surprise because it seems the U.S. has not yet achieved a desirable status among the regional states despite spending billions of dollars in the Middle East".  

Speaking in Baghdad, President Rouhani argued that "at the time when the U.S. is seeking to pressurise the Iranian nation with its unjust sanctions, we need to develop and deepen our relations to stand against them". 

Iraqi President Barham Salih asserted that "Iraq will not become part of the U.S. unilateral sanctions regime against Iran. There is no doubt that we will be affected by these sanctions, but it is certain that we will not be part of them". 

CENTCOM commander Joseph Votel argued that "reform of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) to achieve the goal of 'One ISF' remains a challenge. Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) are officially part of the ISF, however, the forces are comprised of disparate groups, some of which are not totally responsive to the direction of the Government of Iraq, the worst of which are affiliated with Shiite militia groups directed by Iran". Votel added that "Iran's meddling in the selection of Iraqi cabinet members, notably the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Interior, has prevented the government from addressing pressing national security issues". 

President Rouhani told Iraq's visiting parliamentary speaker that "security and stability in Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran are interrelated", adding that "we are ready to develop our cooperation and relations in economic and infrastructural field". The speaker reiterated that "we are against any kind of sanctions and siege against the Islamic Republic of Iran". 

Iraqi President Barham Salih warned that "the [ISIS] caliphate has been eliminated. But there are still sleeper cells and extremist groups along the Syrian border... the danger and risk of ISIS hasn't been eliminated". Salih also addressed rivalry between Iran and U.S. by saying that "we don't want Iraq to be part of these conflicts. This is not a very stable situation and putting an extra political burden on Iraq is not acceptable". 

Iraq's parliamentary speaker visited Tehran, where he met with his Iranian opposite number as well as Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. Shamkhani argued that the "deployment of U.S. forces in the region is a long-term threat to the governments which are democratic, rely on their internal power and oppose dependence on [foreign] powers", while the Iraqi speaker underscored that "we will not allow any country to use Iraq's territory to carry out hostile action against another country".  

Secretary of State Pompeo spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to underscore "the U.S.' support for a strong, sovereign and prosperous Iraq", as well as with the former president of the Iraqi Kurdistan region, Masoud Barzani. 

The State Department announced that it had "designated the Iranian proxy group Harakat al-Nujaba (HAN) and its leader... as Specially Designation Global Terrorists (SDGTs)". Describing HAN as "an Iran-backed Iraqi militia funded by but not under the control of the Iraqi government", the statement indicated that "these designations demonstrate the U.S.' unwavering commitment to isolate and deny funding to the Iranian regime's terrorist proxies. The U.S. will continue to stand firm against Iran's malign behaviour and efforts to undermine Iraq's sovereignty and stability". A HAN spokesperson subsequently maintained that the group's "position towards the U.S. is stable and unchangeable", while a senior official proclaimed that "we in the Islamic resistance are proud that we are always standing in the forefront of confronting the American terrorism against the oppressed nations". 

Iraq's ambassador in Washington called for the U.S. to "please send your consul back to Basra". Characterising his government's preference for "proactive neutrality" towards the U.S. and Iran, the ambassador argued that "if we were to side with any one country against another in the various countries and conflicts of the region, we would face tensions that could... break us apart". 

Qods force commander Soleimani described Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's 25 February trip to Tehran as a "celebration of victory", adding that "you saw how Assad hugged the [Supreme] Leader with love, like a son who has been departed from his father. This is not a minor thing". Soleimani also assessed that "the most secure borders of our country is the common border with Iraq, and our friends are ruling the country". 

Secretary Pompeo conveyed that "the U.S. urges Global Coalition [against ISIS] members to stand together and reaffirm that U.S. and coalition troops are helping the Iraqi Security Forces ensure that ISIS remains defeated. We are there at the invitation of the Iraqi government".  

An IRGC official claimed that "seven or eight [U.S.] drones that had constant flights over Syria and Iraq were brought under our control, and their intelligence was monitored by us". 

Discussing U.S. sanctions against Iran, a senior Iraqi official remarked that "these are American sanctions and we have the right to protect our national interests. We tell them always: we are your friends but we are not part of your policies in the region". Referring to U.S. troops, the official indicated that "when the Iraqi side asks the American side to pull out, they will withdraw as they have done in the past... as the terrorist threat recedes, the U.S. will scale back its military presence in Iraq". 

National Security Advisor John Bolton underscored comments by Vice President Mike Pence in Warsaw, arguing that Pence "sent a powerful message to Iran and its proxies in Iraq. Iranian-backed militia in Iraq prevent international aid and block internally displaced persons from returning home. Iraq is at [a] crossroads to eliminate all groups outside of government control". 

Secretary Pompeo, in Warsaw for the Ministerial to Promote a Future of Peace and Security in the Middle East, described the proceedings as "absolutely historic... the first time in a quarter of a century that you had the prime minister of Israel in the same room talking about threats in the Middle East with senior Arab leaders from all across the Middle East". "This gathering is certainly about Middle East peace and stability," he explained. "You can't talk about that without talking about the threat from the Islamic Republic of Iran, whether it's Hizbollah, Hamas, the Houthis - I call them the three H's - whether it's their work against the Iraqi government... whether it's what they're doing in Syria today". Pompeo also remarked that "we don't expect the Iranian people to support the U.S. We expect them to take care of their own country... we want the Iranian people to have the opportunity to live in a prosperous, peaceful society and one that is controlled by their desires, their wishes. And if we can get that, I am very confident that these behaviours that we see in Iran will change dramatically". On Yemen, Pompeo stressed that "we have two problems - three problems really. The first problem is al-Qaeda... the second problem is Iran continuing to fund the Huthis... it provides missiles to the Huthis that they launch into airports in Saudi Arabia and the Emirates". 

In remarks to a ministerial meeting of the counter-ISIS coalition, President Trump indicated that "the U.S. military, our Coalition partners and the Syrian Democratic Forces have liberated virtually all of the territory previously held by ISIS in Syria and Iraq. It should be formally announced sometime probably next week that we will have 100 per cent of the caliphate". He went on to state that "as countries in the region and across our Coalition step up their commitments, as we continue to destroy the remnants - that's all they have, remnants. But remnants can be very dangerous". 

CENTCOM commander Joseph Votel noted that "Iraq's mil-to-mil relationship with the U.S. is as strong as it has ever been", going on to note that while the Iraqi PMUs are "officially part of the ISF [Iraqi Security Forces], however, the forces are comprised of disparate groups, some of which are not totally responsive to the direction of the Government of Iraq, the worst of which are affiliated with Shiite militia groups directed by Iran". 

In a video, the U.S. ambassador in Baghdad maintained that "at the request of the Iraqi government, the U.S. has supported the Iraqi security forces and helped unite, stablise and strengthen Iraq. The U.S. will continue to partner with Iraqi forces to advise, train and equip them to fully defeat the remnants of ISIS and defend Iraq's sovereignty".

Ahead of a ministerial meeting of the counter-ISIS coalition, a senior U.S. official noted that "we're entering a very critical phase in which we need to expand the diplomatic cooperation to assist the populations in Iraq and north-eastern Syria recover from ISIS' rule but also maintaining significant pressure on ISIS as it increasingly turns to insurgent tactics to destabilise both north-eastern Syria and Iraq". Another official further indicated that "our three top priorities [in Syria]... continue to be to secure an enduring defeat of ISIS, to see the exit of all Iranian-commanded forces from the entirety of Syria and to reach a political settlement of the conflicts under UN Security Council Resolution 2254". A third diplomat asserted that "we can't turn a blind eye towards the malign activities of Iran throughout the region", adding that "we expect Iran to fully respect the sovereignty of Iraq and other regional states, to cease their destabilising activities and to refrain from actions that enflame sectarian tensions". 

Ahead of a ministerial meeting of the counter-ISIS coalition, a senior U.S. official noted that "we're entering a very critical phase in which we need to expand the diplomatic cooperation to assist the populations in Iraq and north-eastern Syria recover from ISIS' rule but also maintaining significant pressure on ISIS as it increasingly turns to insurgent tactics to destabilise both north-eastern Syria and Iraq". Another official further indicated that "our three top priorities [in Syria]... continue to be to secure an enduring defeat of ISIS, to see the exit of all Iranian-commanded forces from the entirety of Syria and to reach a political settlement of the conflicts under UN Security Council Resolution 2254". A third diplomat asserted that "we can't turn a blind eye towards the malign activities of Iran throughout the region", adding that "we expect Iran to fully respect the sovereignty of Iraq and other regional states, to cease their destabilising activities and to refrain from actions that enflame sectarian tensions". 

Following President Trump's comments about keeping U.S. forces in Iraq "because I want to be able to watch Iran", Iraqi President Barham Salih remarked that "the U.S. is a major power... but do not pursue your own policy priorities, we live here". "It is of fundamental interest for Iraq to have good relations with Iran", he added. 

One Iranian pilgrim was killed and eight injured in a suspected ISIS attack in Balad, Iraq. 

President Trump indicated that the U.S. would maintain forces in Iraq "because I want to be able to watch Iran. All I want to do is be able to watch... we're doing to keep watching and we're going to keep seeing and if there's trouble, if someone is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, we're going to know it before they do". Trump went on to say that "my intelligence people, if they said in fact that Iran is a wonderful kindergarten, I disagree with them 100 per cent. It is a vicious country that kills many people. When you talk about torture and so many other things. And - maybe they'll come back". "When I ended that [nuclear] deal... all of a sudden Iran became a different country", Trump continued. "Right now they're a country that's in big financial trouble. Let's see what happens". Trump further stated that "I disagree" with intelligence assessments that Iran is abiding by the JCPOA, adding that "when my intelligence people tell me how wonderful Iran is - if you don't mind, I'm going to just go by my own counsel". 

The U.S. intelligence community assessed that "in Iraq, Iran-supported Popular Mobilisation Committee-affiliated Shiite militias remain the primary threat to U.S. personnel, and we expect that threat to increase as the threat ISIS poses to the militias recedes, Iraqi government formation concludes, some Iran-backed groups call for the U.S. to withdraw, and tension between Iran and the U.S. grows". 

Secretary Pompeo asserted that "we have forces throughout the region that will continue to attack ISIS in Syria proper, but in western Iraq as well, as is appropriate". 

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif asserted that "Iran and Iraq were friends long before the U.S. was created... [Secretary Pompeo] has no right to interfere in the issues of Iran and Iraq". 

In Riyadh, Secretary Pompeo stressed that U.S. allies are keen to help "build out that independent, sovereign Iraq, to help their government get on its feet and have the Iraqi independence that we've been working on... yes, we want those security forces [i.e. Iraq PMUs] to be in the control of the Iraqi government and we want them to have full control over all of their security forces". 

During a visit to Baghdad, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif suggested that "after victory against ISIS, some countries, including the U.S., have created certain problems in the way of the two countries' cooperation, but fortunately they were defused thanks to the wisdom of the two countries' officials... relations between Iran and Iraq are not harmful to anybody, and for this reason, we do not allow anyone to interfere in them". 

Iraq's prime minister, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, met with Iran's oil minister in Baghdad and "confirmed the deep relations between the two countries... and the importance of strengthening them in areas that serve the interests of the two peoples, foremost of which is cooperation in the fields of oil and gas". 

Secretary Pompeo asserted that "in Iraq, the U.S. will help our partners build a nation free of Iranian influence.... Iraqis rejected sectarianism in a national election, and we will support that wholeheartedly. The people there refused to be cowered by Iranian-backed thugs and armed groups". 

Secretary Pompeo visited Baghdad and Erbil for meetings with senior Iraqi officials. According to a spokesperson, Pompeo's discussions with Iraqi Prime Minister Adeb Abdel-Mahdi covered "the recent territorial defeat of ISIS in Syria and the continuation of our cooperation with Iraqi security forces to ensure ISIS' lasting defeat throughout the region", as well as "U.S. support for Iraq's energy independence". 

Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammad Ali al-Hakim remarked that "these [U.S.] sanctions [against Iran], the siege, or what is called the embargo, these are unilateral, not international. We are not obliged [to follow] them". 

A senior Israeli defence official assessed that "Iraq is under growing influence of the... Qods force and Iran", adding that Iraq could be seen "as a convenient theatre for entrenchment, similar to what they did in Syria, and to use it as a platform for a force build-up that could also threaten the State of Israel". 

Iraq carried out airstrikes against ISIS targets in eastern Syria. 

Iraq's PMUs reportedly agreed "to establish a naval force". 

Iranian and Iraqi officials signed a memorandum of understanding on "mutual cooperation in energy and reconstruction of Iraq's electricity industry". 

During a visit to Iraq, President Trump asserted that "there will be a strong, deliberate and orderly withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria... while maintaining the U.S. presence in Iraq to prevent an ISIS resurgence and to protect U.S. interests, and also to always watch very closely over any potential reformation of ISIS and also to watch over Iran. We'll be watching". The trip drew criticism from Iraqi parliamentarians as well as PMU officials. 

Iran's ambassador in Iraq reportedly indicated that "Iran has no base or military or even advisory presence in Iraq", adding that "all Iranian military advisors who had come to Iraq at the request of the Iraqi government to help with the fight against ISIS terrorists have all returned home". 

Prime Minister Adel Abdel-Mahdi's office indicated that Secretary of State Pompeo had, following President Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria, "confirmed that the U.S. [is] committed in its obligation in the fight against ISIS in Iraq". During the call, Prime Minister Abdel-Mahdi also praised Washington's 90-day waiver extension for Iranian electricity imports. 

The U.S. reportedly extended by 90 days Iraq's waiver for Iranian electricity imports. 

Secretary Pompeo asserted that "Iran is... transferring ballistic missile systems to Shiite militias in Iraq". 

Prime Minister Adel Abdel-Mahdi asserted that "the American side is cooperating with Iraq to find solutions that would remove pressure on Iraq because the [Iranian] gas is linked to a very sensitive issue which is electricity". 

Iraq carried out airstrikes against ISIS targets inside Syria. 

In a speech in Baghdad, U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry remarked that "it's important for you to increase your energy diversity, your energy security, your national security while at the same time reducing your dependence on less reliable countries seeking domination, control using that energy resources". 

Prime Minister Adel Abdel-Mahdi met with E3 ambassadors in Baghdad. A press release from his office noted that "the ambassadors reaffirmed their countries' support to the international agreement on Iran's nuclear program, their support for Iraq in its position and to protect Iraq from sanctions effects". 

The U.S. special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, remarked that "in Iraq, credible reports indicate that Iran is transferring ballistic missiles to Shiite militia groups. This comes as these militias carried out highly provocative attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities in Baghdad and Basra in September, which we know that Iran did nothing to stop". 

Asaeb Ahl al-Haq leader Qais al-Khazali opined that "securing Iraq's borders with Syria is among the most important duties of the Popular Mobilisation Forces right now... maybe the armed forces can invest the PMF in duties that include border security"

Iraq carried out airstrikes against ISIS targets inside Syria. 

The Iraqi government dismissed as "absolutely untrue" reports that it was mediating between Iran and Saudi Arabia. 

The Iraqi president, Barham Salih, travelled to Tehran for meetings with senior Iranian officials including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Rouhani. 

The U.S. special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, explained that the U.S. "granted a waiver to Iraq in order to give it some time to make a transition from a dependency on Iranian electricity... Iran does not respect the sovereignty of Iraq and we think it's very important for Iraq to reduce its dependency on Iranian electricity so we have given it more time to make that transition". 

The Treasury Department designated "four Hizbollah-affiliated individuals who lead and coordinate the group's operational, intelligence and financial activities in Iraq". "Treasury's concerted actions aim to deny Hizbollah's clandestine attempts to exploit Iraq to launder funds, procure weapons, train fighters and collect intelligence as a proxy for Iran", asserted a senior Treasury official. 

The U.S. embassy in Baghdad published a short video regarding Washington's Iran sanctions, in which it noted that "the U.S. has given Iraq a temporary relief from the sanctions for 45 days to allow Iraq to continue purchasing natural gas and electricity from Iran. This relief gives Iraq time to start taking steps towards energy independence". 

The special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, confirmed that the U.S. "granted Iraq a waiver to allow it to continue to pay for its electricity imports from Iran. We are confident that this will help limit electricity shortages in the south". "We are very pleased with how we are working with the Iraqis", Hook added. 

The U.S. special representative for Syria, James Jeffrey, opined that the "Iranians are part of the problem not part of the solution" in Syria, and noted that the U.S. was "contesting more actively Iran's activities particularly in Iraq, Syria and Yemen". 

A U.S. diplomat indicated that Iraq had been issued with an Iran sanctions waiver "to continue to pay for electricity imports from Iran... we are confident this will help Iraq limit electricity shortages in the south". 

Iraq's foreign ministry took exception to a tweet by the U.S. embassy which called upon Iran to "respect the sovereignty of the Iraqi government and permit the disarming, demobilisation and reintegration of Shia militias", saying that Baghdad "rejects interference in Iraq's internal affairs, especially domestic security reform". 

Adel Abdul Mahdi was sworn in as Iraq's prime minister, along with fourteen ministers. 

Iran's intelligence minister revealed the arrest of fifteen members of "three terrorist teams" allegedly plotting attacks against Iranian pilgrims travelling to Iraq. 

A U.S. military official assessed that there were no signs Iranian or Iran-backed forces were planning attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq, adding that "that's always something could happen. And it may not be Iran at all... it could be just proxies out trying to do damage". 

A senior U.S. diplomat posited that "many things the Iranians are doing in Iraq... clearly violate Iraq's own sovereignty". "We'll be prepared to protect ourselves", he added, "but nobody wants a conflict inside Iraq". 

The IRGC announced that the alleged ISIS mastermind of the 22 September Ahvaz attack had been killed in Iraq. 

Iran's military chief of staff remarked that "the neighbouring countries such as Iraq, including the Kurdistan region and the central government, are bound by international law and neighbourliness duties to take action against the anti-revolutionary [i.e., anti-Iran] groups". "The bases of anti-revolution [groups] and ill-wishers of the Iranian nation must not exist near our borders or in the neighbouring country [Iraq]", he added.

President Rouhani sent a congratulatory note to Iraq's prime minister-designate, Adil Abdul-Mahdi, in which he expressed his hope for the "development and deepening of relations in all economic, cultural and political fields". 

The commander of U.S. Central Command, Joseph Votel, remarked that "we certainly are concerned with the impacts of some of [Iran's] activities on our personnel, on our facilities, on our activities [in Syria and Iraq]". Citing Iran's missile strike near al-Bukamal, Votel stated that "this is an example of what does give us a bit of pause... these kinds of uncoordinated activities are a threat to not only our forces, but they're a threat to military and civilian air and aviation that operated in the area". 

President Rouhani sent a congratulatory message to Iraq's newly-elected president, Barham Salih. Salih was also congratulated by Secretary Pompeo, who "underscored continuing U.S. support for a strong, sovereign and prosperous Iraq". 

Secretary Pompeo asserted that "Iran is the origin of the current threat to Americans in Iraq. It is to blame for the attacks against our mission in Basra and our embassy in Baghdad. Our intelligence in this regard is solid. We can see the hand of the Ayatollah and his henchmen supporting these attacks on the U.S.". Arguing that "these latest destablising acts in Iraq are attempts by the Iranian regime to push back our efforts to constrain its malign behaviour", Pompeo went on to say that "we must be prepared for them to continue their attempts to hit back, especially after our full sanctions are re-imposed on the fourth of November". 

Iran's foreign ministry described the U.S. decision to shutter its Basra consulate as "a suspicious move aimed at evading responsibility and pinning the blame on others". 

Iran's foreign minister, Javad Zarif, questioned "whether the U.S.' intention is to help stabilise Iraq or try to undermine Iran in Iraq". "These two policies," he argued, "will lead to totally different outcomes".

The State Department announced "the determination to place Consulate Basra on ordered departure". In a statement, Secretary Pompeo revealed that threats from Iranian and Iran-backed forces "have increased over the past several weeks", including "repeated incidents of indirect fire" from Iran-backed militias. Pompeo went on to say that he has "advised the government of Iran that the U.S. will hold Iran directly responsible for any harm to Americans or to our diplomatic facilities in Iraq or elsewhere and whether perpetrated by Iranian forces directly or by associated proxy militias". 

At the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Netanyahu asserted that "Israel will do whatever it must do to defend itself against Iran's aggression... we will act against you in Iraq. We will act against you whenever and wherever we must to defend our state and defend our people". 

The U.S. special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, opined that "Iran did nothing to stop the attacks on our diplomatic facilities in Iraq. Qasem Soleimani has been organising and training and equipping these Shiite militias in Iraq for over a decade, and this is why we don't make a distinction between Iran and its proxies". 

Secretary Pompeo indicated that "we have told... Iran that using a proxy force to attack an American interest will not prevent us from responding against the prime actor". 

Secretary Pompeo indicated that "we have told... Iran that using a proxy force to attack an American interest will not prevent us from responding against the prime actor". 

The U.S. envoy to the UN, Nikki Haley, argued that Iran's objective in Iraq "is to exploit uncertainty in order to create an Iranian-controlled corridor for weapons and fighters from Tehran to the Mediterranean". Citing reports of Iranian missile transfers into Iraq and calling Iranian strikes against KDPI headquarters "a blatant violation of Iraqi sovereignty", Haley asserted that IRGC Qods Force Qasem Soleimani "has practically taken up residence in Iraq since the May elections" and "is there to build an Iraqi government that is under the control of the Iranian regime".

Iraq's ambassador to Iran was recalled due to "accusations that he had engaged in irresponsible behaviour towards Iraqi nationals residing in Iran". 

The U.S. special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, posited that reports of Iranian missile transfers into Iraq "are all the more serious when you take into account the life-threatening and provocative attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities recently in Baghdad and Basra, which Iran did nothing to stop". 

A KDPI official warned that "from this moment we will begin a new chapter of resistance against the regime in Tehran". 

The U.S. embassy in Iraq rubbished reports of a meeting between a senior U.S. official "and an Iranian general to discuss forming a new Iraqi government". Iran likewise dismissed the story as "an absurd lie".   

Secretary Pompeo indicated that it was Iran that had "fired Katyusha rockets toward the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and took action against our consulate in Basra". 

Days after the Iranian consulate in Basra was attacked and torched by protesters, Iran's ambassador to Iraq inaugurated a new facility in the city. 

Iran's foreign ministry described the White House's 11 September warning that the U.S would "hold the regime in Tehran accountable" for attacks against U.S. personnel or facilities in Iraq as "astonishing, provocative and irresponsible". 

The White House released a statement asserting that "over the past few days, we have seen life-threatening attacks... on the U.S. consulate in Basra and against the American embassy compound in Baghdad. Iran did not act to stop these attacks by its proxies in Iraq, which it has supported with funding, training and weapons". The statement went on to warn that Washington "will hold the regime in Tehran accountable for any attack that results in injury to our personnel or damage to U.S. government facilities". 

While discussing Iran's missile strike against KDPI headquarters, Iran's military chief of staff asserted that "the government of Iraq and the Kurdistan authorities should not allow [the] existence of such bases in their territories and should hand over these separatists terrorists to Iran". He went on to claim that the "separatist terrorists" had been "stimulated by the U.S. and some countries of the region".  

The IRGC fired seven missiles at Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) headquarters in Iraqi Kurdistan; the KDPI announced that "fifteen Kurdish politicians and civilians died, while 50 others were injured" in the attack. In a statement, Iraq's foreign ministry asserted the government's "keenness on the security of its neighbours and its refusal to use its territory to threaten the security of those countries", but added that "it rejects the violation of Iraqi sovereignty by bombing any target within Iraqi territory without prior coordination with the Iraqi authorities to spare civilians the effects of such operations".   

Protesters in Basra attacked Iran's consulate. Iran's foreign ministry confirmed significant physical damage to the facility, but no casualties, adding that Iraq must "pinpoint the agents and punish them severely". 

Iran's ambassador to Iraq, Iraj Masjedi, argued that "U.S. unilateral sanctions against Iran will hurt Iraqi people more than anyone else, and as a result we expect Baghdad to object to this issue". 

The Israeli defence minister, Avigdor Lieberman, indicated that Israel is "monitoring everything that is happening in Syria and, regarding Iranian threats, we are not limiting ourselves just to Syrian territory. This also needs to be clear". In response to a question regarding Iraq, Lieberman added that "we will contend with any Iranian threat, and it doesn't matter from where it comes... Israel's freedom is total. We retain this freedom of action". 

The prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, appointed himself national security advisor and chief of the Popular Mobilisation Units. 

Commenting on a Reuters article alleging the transfer of ballistic missiles by Iran into Iraq, Iraq's foreign ministry asserted that "Iraq is not obliged to respond to media reports that lack tangible evidence backing up their claims and allegations", and cited constitutional provisions against "the use of Iraqi land as a base or passage to be used in operations targeting the security of other states". 

Tehran pilloried a Reuters article alleging that Iran had transferred ballistic missiles into Iraq as "absurd". 

The U.S. secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, tweeted that he was "deeply concerned about reports of Iran transferring ballistic missiles into Iraq. If true, this would be a gross violation of Iraqi sovereignty and of UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Baghdad should determine what happens in Iraq, not Tehran". 

Reuters reported that "Iran has given ballistic missiles to Shiite proxies in Iraq and is developing the capacity to build more there". An unnamed Iranian official was quoted saying that "the logic was to have a backup plan if Iran was attacked. The number of missiles is not high, just a couple of dozen, but it can be increased if necessary". 

Iraq's prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, dismissed Falih al-Fayyadh as national security advisor and Hashd chief, asserting that al-Fayyadh was "implicated in partisan political matters which contravene the rules of neutrality which apply to members of the security and intelligence forces". 

A senior Iraqi official asserted that "we will limit implementing the [U.S.] sanctions to areas which don't oppose [Iraqi] interests", adding that "we will negotiate with the American side over the areas that will damage the interests in Iran-Iraq relations to prevent Iraq from getting hurt from this issue".  

In a purported statement by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the ISIS leader asserted that "the scale of victory or defeat is not dependant on a city or town being stolen... with hardship comes relief and a way out". 

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson assessed that "our relationship with Iraq as a neighbouring country is good", adding that "we will certainly be able to boost cooperation in the private and public sectors more intensely" once the government formation process concludes. 

The Iraqi airforce carried out airstrikes against ISIS targets inside Syria.

A senior Iranian military official assessed that "we are witnessing high security in the borders" as Iranian and Iraqi border security forces signed a memorandum of understanding for bilateral cooperation. 

An Iraqi government official asserted that U.S. sanctions against Iran "will influence, first of all, money transfers and banking operations in the U.S. dollar. The sides [Iran and Iraq] will not use the U.S. dollar". He added that "the government will seek to solve all the problems related to this issue, it will look for corresponding mechanisms to neutralise the [sanctions' ] influence on the Iraqi market and also prevent the damage cause to the Iraqi citizens' interests". 

The Iraqi prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, stated that "we consider them [sanctions on Iran] a strategic mistake and incorrect but we will abide by them to protect the interests of our people. We will not interact with them or support them but we will abide by them". In subsequent remarks, al-Abadi clarified that "I did not say we abide by the sanctions, I said we abide by not using dollars in transactions. We have no other choice". 

A senior Iranian official remarked that "Iran's presence in Syria and Iraq is advisory and if their respective governments want it, we will leave immediately". He went on to suggest that "the U.S. is seeking to divide Iraq into three parts and Syria to five". 

The secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, argued that "Qasem Soleimani is causing trouble throughout Iraq and Syria and we need to raise the cost for him - for his organisation [the IRGC's Quds Force] and for him personally". Pompeo went on to say that "what America wants is an Iraqi Iraq for Iraqis, not influenced by Iran". 

An Iraqi official revealed that "ten days ago we started to set up a barbed wire security fence with surveillance towers along the border with Syria". 

A senior Iraqi PMU leader declared that "we tell the Americans that we as the Hashd, including all of its formations, follow the Iraqi government. We will not remain silent about [the 17 June] attack". 

Iraqi F-16s carried out airstrikes against ISIS targets inside Syria, reportedly killing 45. 

A spokesman for one of Iraq's Iran-backed militias pledged that "when it becomes known who was responsible [for the 17 June strike near Al-Bukamal] then there will be an appropriate response and the hand of the resistance will strike anywhere". 

A U.S. official revealed that Israel was behind the 17 June strike near Al-Bukamal which reportedly caused 60 casualties from the Syrian military and Iraqi PMUs. 

The Iraqi Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Units) claimed that a U.S. airstrike killed or injured more than 30 of its fighters on the Syrian side of the Iraq-Syria border. 

A Kurdistan Regional Government official said the KRG has "warned [armed groups] that they have no right to use the Iraqi Kurdistan Region's soil... against our neighbours, namely Iran and Turkey". 

Iran submitted a protest note to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) "over the apparently vast breach in the Region's defences against terrorists who use the shared borderlines to operate against the Islamic Republic of Iran". 

Muqtada al-Sadr and Hadi al-Amiri, who respectively led the Sairoun (On the Move) and Fatah (Conquest) lists in Iraq's parliamentary elections, declared that their blocs would join forces. 

Iraqi F-16s carried out airstrikes against ISIS targets inside Syria. 

Iraqi lawmakers voted in favour of a recount of May's parliamentary election ballots. 

Iraqi F-16s carried out airstrikes against ISIS targets in Hajin, located in Syria's Deir el-Zour province.

The Iranian ambassador in Baghdad insisted that Muqtada al-Sadr, whose Sairoun list topped Iraq's 12 May parliamentary elections, "is one of the dear and influential friends and brothers in our neighbouring and friendly Iraq". 

An Iranian official opined that "the informed leadership and nation of Iraq will remain... a strategic ally to Tehran". 

Quds Force Commander Qasem Suleimani was reportedly in Iraq "to promote the formation of a new Iraqi cabinet which would have Iran's approval" following parliamentary elections.

Iraqi aircraft struck ISIS targets inside Syria. 

Iraq's air force struck ISIS targets inside Syria, reportedly killing 36.

A Saudi court sentenced two Saudis to a combined 47 years in jail for their involvement with an Iran-backed PMU. The defendants were accused of receiving training in Iran and Iraq "for the purpose of carrying out terror attacks" within Saudi Arabia.

Iraq's prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, said his government is aiming for "balance" as the U.S. and Iran vie for influence in the country. 

The Iraqi government decreed the induction of the Hashd al-Shaabi, Iran-backed Shiite militias, into its security forces.  

The Iraqi parliament approved a resolution asking "the government to draw up a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign troops". 

A senior Iranian official rejected speculation that Iraq could act as a mediator between Tehran and Washington. 

Iran's foreign ministry decried a congressional bill sanctioning al-Nujaba, part of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, claiming that "Washington cannot tolerate the existence of Islamic movements like the Nujaba Islamic Resistance and thus resorts to all possible means, including sanctions and military-financial leverages, to eliminate them". 

At the International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq, Foreign Minister Zarif declared that "resisting the tendencies to turn Iraq into a venue for rivalry is imperative".

The KRG prime minister, Nechirvan Barzani, visited Tehran for talks with President Rouhani and other top Iranian officials.

After more than three years of battles, Prime Minister Abadi declared victory over ISIS.

Iraqi government forces and militias launched an operation against remaining ISIS forces in al-Qaim and Rawa near the Iraq-Syria border.

Iran’s president, Hassan Rouhani, declared that “the bases of terrorism in Iraq and Syria have collapsed and Tehran’s fight against terrorist groups in the region will continue until they are eradicated”.

Iraq’s prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, addressed the situation in Iraqi Kurdistan by saying: “We will regain control of border areas without escalation. But our patience will run out. We will not wait forever. We will take action”.

Iraqi forces advanced into the ISIS-held border town of al-Qaim.

Iraq’s prime minister travelled to Tehran and held meetings with Iran’s supreme leader and president.

Iraq’s prime minister underscored that Iraq must not be seen as a battleground for U.S.-Iranian competition. “Please don’t bring your trouble inside Iraq”, Abadi remarked. “You can sort it anywhere else”.

Iraq’s prime minister travelled to Saudi Arabia to attend the inaugural session of the Saudi-Iraq Coordination Council; the U.S. secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, also participated.

The KRG staged a referendum on Kurdish independence in the Kurdistan region and adjacent disputed territories, ignoring the explicit objections of Baghdad, Iran, Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.

Iraq’s prime minister travelled to Mosul, where he declared “the end and the failure and the collapse of the terrorist state of falsehood and terrorism which the terrorist Daesh [ISIS] announced from Mosul”. 

Iraqi federal forces retook the Kirkuk oil fields, an air base, the airport and federal installations. In subsequent days, they also reestablished control over other parts of the disputed territories.