Overview

• American military and intelligence officials have detected signs that Iran-backed militias are preparing attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, including Ain Al Asad and Erbil, and potentially on facilities in Syria.
• The planned operations follow U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, notably the use of 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs at the Fordow facility.
• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi affirmed Tehran’s right to defend itself and stated that Iran will not return to diplomatic talks until it carries out its retaliation.
• U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Dorothy Camille Shea warned that any Iranian aggression, direct or via proxies, would prompt devastating American retaliation.
• Iraqi officials are actively pressing militias to stand down in order to prevent further escalation of hostilities in the region.