Missile Hits US Embassy in Baghdad as 2,500 American Soldiers Head to Middle East
Tensions across the Middle East intensified after a missile struck the United States embassy compound in Baghdad while Washington confirmed major airstrikes on Iran’s strategic Kharg Island.
US President Donald Trump said American forces carried out a powerful bombing raid on the island, claiming that every military installation there had been “totally obliterated”. However, Iranian state media reported that while multiple explosions were heard during the attack, the island’s oil infrastructure remained undamaged.
Missile Strike Reported at US Embassy in Baghdad
Security sources in Iraq reported that a missile hit the US embassy compound in Baghdad shortly after the strikes on Iran. Smoke was seen rising from the area, with early reports suggesting the projectile struck a helipad inside the diplomatic complex.
Other accounts indicated that a drone might also have been involved in the attack. Authorities have not yet released detailed information on casualties or the extent of damage.
The incident occurred hours after air raids in Baghdad reportedly killed two Iran-backed fighters, raising concerns about further retaliation across the region.
Kharg Island Targeted in US Airstrikes
The US strike focused on Kharg Island, located about 22 miles off Iran’s southern coast in the Persian Gulf. The small island is one of Iran’s most vital energy hubs, handling the majority of the country’s crude oil exports.
According to Iranian news agency reports, more than fifteen explosions were heard during the attack. The strikes reportedly targeted air defence systems, a naval base, an airport control tower and helicopter facilities.
Despite the damage to military positions, Iranian authorities said the island’s oil export infrastructure was not hit.
Iran Issues Strong Warning
Following the attack, Iranian officials warned that any strike on their oil facilities would provoke direct retaliation.
Tehran said oil and energy installations linked to companies cooperating with the United States could be “turned into a pile of ashes” if Iran’s own energy infrastructure is targeted.
The warning highlights the growing risk of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow maritime route through which a large share of the world’s oil supply passes.
Regional Tensions Continue to Rise
The crisis has already spread beyond Iran and Iraq. In Lebanon, the health ministry reported that at least 12 medical workers were killed after an Israeli airstrike hit a healthcare facility in the south of the country.
Meanwhile, Qatar intercepted two missiles overnight and ordered precautionary evacuations in parts of central Doha where several major international companies and US-linked institutions are located.
More US Forces Expected in the Region
Reports from US media outlets say Washington is preparing to reinforce its military presence in the Gulf. Officials told American broadcasters that an amphibious ready group led by the assault ship USS Tripoli may be deployed along with thousands of Marines and additional warships.
The move suggests the Pentagon is considering a broader range of options, including protecting commercial shipping routes and increasing its military readiness as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.
US Deploys 2,500 Marines and USS Tripoli to Middle East
A United States official has confirmed that roughly 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship are being deployed to the Middle East as tensions in the region continue to escalate. The official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the military plans, said that personnel from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit along with the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have been ordered to move toward the region.
Marine Expeditionary Units are specially trained to handle a wide range of missions, including amphibious operations, embassy security reinforcement, civilian evacuation and humanitarian assistance during disasters.
Although the deployment represents a significant increase in US military presence in the Middle East, officials emphasized that it does not necessarily mean a ground operation is imminent.
The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Tripoli, which are normally based in Japan, have been operating in the Pacific Ocean in recent days. According to military sources, their current position means it could take more than a week for the force to reach waters near Iran.
