New Delhi, Mar 15: The United States has urged its citizens to leave Iraq immediately as security concerns intensify in the region. The US Embassy in Baghdad warned that Iran and allied militias pose a serious threat to public safety, citing past attacks on American citizens, interests and critical infrastructure, reports the BBC.
The embassy also advised Americans not to travel to the diplomatic compound in Baghdad or the Consulate General in Erbil due to the continuing risk of rocket, drone and mortar attacks in Iraqi airspace. The warning comes a day after the embassy building was reportedly struck during an attack that sent thick smoke rising over the area.
In a separate development, US President Donald Trump said Iran had expressed interest in reaching a deal with Washington but added that the current terms were not acceptable. He indicated that any future agreement would require Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, reports the BBC. Trump also claimed that the US had “totally demolished” Kharg Island, a major hub for Iran’s oil exports, and suggested further strikes could follow. At the same time, he dismissed concerns about rising global oil prices, saying global supplies remain plentiful and disruptions would soon ease.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international shipping, though vessels linked to Iran’s enemies would not be allowed to pass. He accused the United States of targeting civilian locations in Iran, an allegation Washington has denied. Araghchi also described Russia and China as Iran’s strategic partners amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
The conflict has begun to affect the wider region. Kuwait reported that several hostile drones were detected, with two striking the Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base and injuring three members of the armed forces. Kuwait’s international airport also reported damage to its radar system following a separate drone attack.
In the United Arab Emirates, a strike hit the port of Fujairah, a key global oil storage and refuelling hub, causing a large fire. The crisis has also drawn international reactions. Switzerland refused two US requests to allow military overflights through its airspace, citing its long-standing neutrality laws that prohibit flights serving military purposes in ongoing conflicts.
Amid rising tensions in the region, Donald Trump urged countries dependent on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to help secure the vital maritime route that carries nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply. According to the BBC, Trump said the United States would work with other nations to ensure the passage remains safe for global energy trade.
Responding to the developments, a spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence said Britain was in discussions with allies and partners on “a range of options” to ensure the security of shipping in the region. China also called for restraint. A spokesperson for the Embassy of China in Washington, D.C. told CNN that China supports an immediate cessation of hostilities and stressed that all parties share responsibility for maintaining a stable and uninterrupted global energy supply. The spokesperson did not indicate whether Beijing would support Trump’s proposal but said China would continue communication with relevant parties.
