Missile strike inside US Embassy compound in Baghdad, evacuation warning issued near Tabriz as escalating Iran-Israel tensions trigger explosions and airstrikes across the region
Baghdad: Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Saturday after a missile strike hit a helipad inside the compound of the United States Embassy in Baghdad, raising fresh concerns about a wider regional conflict involving Iran-aligned militias and Israeli military operations.
According to Iraqi security officials, the missile struck early Saturday morning, sending a large plume of smoke rising over the sprawling diplomatic complex located in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.
Footage captured by Associated Press showed thick smoke billowing from within the embassy compound, one of the largest US diplomatic facilities in the world.
Officials confirmed that the attack struck a helipad area within the embassy premises, although details regarding casualties or damage were not immediately released.
Embassy Previously Targeted by Militias
The diplomatic compound in Baghdad has repeatedly faced attacks in recent years, often involving rockets or drones launched by militias aligned with Iran.
Despite the latest strike, the US Embassy did not immediately release an official statement on the incident.
Just a day earlier, the embassy had renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iranian-backed militia groups could continue targeting US citizens, infrastructure, and strategic interests in the region.
Israel Issues Evacuation Warning Near Tabriz
Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) issued an urgent evacuation warning to residents in an area near Tabriz, signalling the possibility of imminent airstrikes.
In a message posted on its Farsi-language X account, the Israeli military warned civilians to immediately leave the designated area.
“In the coming hours, the IDF will operate in the area, as it has in recent days across Tehran, to strike military infrastructure of the Iranian regime.”
The warning suggests that Israel may be preparing targeted strikes on Iranian military installations, further intensifying tensions between the two countries.
Explosions Reported at Kharg Island
Earlier on Friday, Kharg Island was reportedly targeted by airstrikes, according to Iranian media outlets.
Local sources reported hearing more than 15 explosions across the island, with large clouds of smoke rising from multiple locations.
Despite the intensity of the blasts, field sources claimed that the island’s crucial oil infrastructure remained unharmed, preventing disruption to Iran’s major oil export hub.
Authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding casualties or the full extent of the damage.
Iran Warns of Immediate Retaliation
In response to the attacks, a spokesperson for Khatam al‑Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that Iran would immediately retaliate against any strikes targeting its energy and economic infrastructure.
The statement suggested that any attacks on Iranian oil facilities could trigger counter-operations against US-linked infrastructure across the region, raising fears of a broader escalation.
Security analysts say such retaliation could potentially affect military bases, logistics facilities, or allied installations in the Middle East.
Explosions Near Tehran Space Research Center
Adding to the growing tension, explosions were also reported near the Iranian Space Research Center in western Tehran.
Video footage circulating online showed a large plume of smoke rising from the facility, indicating a possible strike on infrastructure linked to Iran’s scientific or military capabilities.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of damage or whether the site was directly targeted.
With multiple incidents unfolding across Iraq and Iran within hours, the developments have heightened fears of a broader confrontation in the Middle East, with diplomatic missions, military facilities, and strategic infrastructure increasingly becoming targets in the escalating tensions.
