US Embassy: Iran may target American energy infrastructure in Iraq

Washington (ANTARA) — The US Embassy in Baghdad warned its citizens on Wednesday that Iran may target American-owned oil and energy infrastructure in Iraq amid US-Israeli military operations against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Previously, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) stated that its forces had attacked US military bases in Iraqi Kurdistan and the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.

“Iran and Iran-aligned militias may be planning attacks against US-owned oil and energy infrastructure in Iraq. These militias are also targeting hotels frequently visited by Americans, including in Iraqi Kurdistan,” the embassy statement read.

The embassy urged its citizens to leave Iraq as soon as possible whilst remaining vigilant, maintaining a low profile, and avoiding locations that could become targets.

For those remaining in Iraq, the embassy recommended stockpiling food, water, medicines, and other essential supplies.

The embassy also emphasised that Iraqi airspace is closed and commercial flights are not operating, making overland routes to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey advisable.

On 28 February, the US and Israel launched strikes against targets in Iran, including Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties.

Iran responded by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities across the Middle East.

The US and Israel initially claimed the “preemptive” strikes were necessary to counter threats from Iran’s nuclear programme, but quickly asserted their objective of seeing a change in Iran’s leadership.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the US-Israeli military operation, and the Islamic Republic declared a 40-day period of mourning.

Russian President Vladimir Putin characterised Khamenei’s assassination as a cynical breach of international law, whilst Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the US-Israeli operation and demanded immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities.