US Embassy in Baghdad Targeted in Intense Rocket and Drone Attack Linked to Iranian-backed Militias

Rockets and at least five drones targeted the US embassy in Baghdad early on Tuesday, according to Iraqi security sources. This attack marked the most intense assault since the war began. The timing was grim, as residents of Dubai and Doha, Qatar, awoke to explosions as air defenses scrambled to intercept incoming Iranian fire. Across the Middle East, the conflict shows no signs of abating.

Two US officials confirmed no injuries were reported so far in Baghdad. An eyewitness told Reuters that the C-RAM (Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar) air defense system shot down two of the drones. A third struck inside the embassy compound, where fire and smoke could be seen rising. Another witness heard an explosion in the Iraqi capital.

Iranian-backed militias have been attacking American interests in Iraq as retaliation for US-Israeli strikes on Tehran that began February 28. On Monday, Iran-aligned group Kataib Hezbollah announced the death of its senior commander and spokesperson—Abu Ali Al-Askari—and the Popular Mobilisation Forces reported air strikes killing at least eight fighters near al-Qaim, Syria.

Iraqi security forces have deployed across parts of Baghdad, closing the fortified Green Zone where government buildings and diplomatic missions are located. An eyewitness described how C-RAM systems intercepted drones, with explosions lighting up the night sky over Baghdad after an earlier drone attack on a luxury hotel on Monday.

An orange glow and explosion were seen after a drone was shot down by a US defense system, footage from Rudaw network showed. The incident followed another drone strike on a prominent hotel in the Green Zone. Iraqi security officials confirmed the blast hit the top floor of the Royal Tulip Al-Rasheed hotel, which houses diplomatic delegations. No casualties were reported, but security forces sealed off the area.

Qatar announced Tuesday that its armed forces intercepted a missile attack targeting the country. An AFP journalist in Doha heard multiple explosions as part of Iran's retaliatory campaign over strikes by the US and Israel that killed Tehran's supreme leader. In nearby Dubai, residents were warned via mobile alerts to seek shelter after three explosions. Airspace was briefly shut down as military forces responded to incoming threats.

The Israeli military confirmed it launched a 'wide-scale wave of strikes' across Iran's capital and intensified attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel also reported incoming salvos from Iran at Tel Aviv and elsewhere, with Hezbollah targeting northern areas. Iran continued pressuring Gulf neighbors by striking an oil facility in Fujairah, UAE. No injuries were reported in the blast.

Iran's attacks on Gulf nations and its control of the Strait of Hormuz—through which 20% of global oil passes—have raised fears of a global energy crisis. Early Tuesday, Tehran hit a tanker off Fujairah, one of about 20 vessels targeted since the war began. Brent crude prices remain over $100 per barrel, up more than 40% since hostilities started.

US President Donald Trump demanded several countries send warships to keep Hormuz open but received no immediate commitments. Many nations expressed hesitation over joining a conflict with no clear exit plan. The UAE briefly closed airspace in response to missile threats before reopening it hours later. Explosions continued as interceptors worked to neutralize incoming fire.

Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry reported intercepting a dozen drones over its Eastern Province, home to oil infrastructure. A Pakistani national was killed by shrapnel in Abu Dhabi after the interception of a ballistic missile. Meanwhile, Israel launched 'limited and targeted ground operations' against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, claiming it aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and secure northern areas.

Lebanese state media reported Israeli airstrikes hitting three neighborhoods in Beirut on Tuesday. The IDF urged residents near Arab al-Jal village to evacuate as attacks on Hezbollah infrastructure continued. A joint letter from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in Lebanon, warning that a ground offensive could lead to a protracted conflict.

Trump criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his stance on the crisis, calling him 'not happy' with the UK's refusal to send ships to Hormuz. Trump emphasized his surprise at the lack of support from an ally and reiterated calls for France, Japan, South Korea, China, and others to join efforts restoring the strait. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated the Iran conflict is not a NATO matter, while France refused direct involvement in the Strait.

The situation remains fluid as governments worldwide grapple with how to balance international pressure, energy security, and regional stability without escalating hostilities further.