US Embassy in Iraq Targeted in Drone and Rocket Assault
Iraqi air defences successfully intercepted a wave of drones and rockets over the US embassy in Baghdad, marking one of the most intense assaults since hostilities began. The attack also struck the Al-Rasheed Hotel in the heavily fortified Green Zone, damaging the top floor but causing no casualties, according to two Iraqi security officials speaking to the Associated Press.
Trump's Frustration with NATO Allies
US President Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with the United Kingdom for not actively supporting America's mission to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated he was "not happy" with Britain and was "very surprised" by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's reluctance to involve NATO in the conflict against Iran. "I think they'll be involved maybe, but they should be involved enthusiastically," Trump remarked.
Sir Keir Starmer had previously clarified that the battle for the Strait of Hormuz "won't be and it's never been envisioned to be a NATO mission." This disagreement highlights growing tensions among Western allies over the handling of the Iran conflict.
Intelligence Warnings of Iranian Retaliation
President Trump was reportedly warned that attacking Iran could trigger retaliation against US Gulf allies, despite his claims that Tehran's response was unexpected. A US official and two sources familiar with intelligence reports indicated that pre-war assessments listed Iranian retaliation as a potential outcome, though not guaranteed.
Trump asserted twice on Monday that Iran's strikes against Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait were unforeseen. "They weren't supposed to go after all these other countries in the Middle East," he said. "Nobody expected that. We were shocked." These statements contrast with administration claims about Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities, which have been cited to justify joint US-Israeli airstrikes launched on 28 February.
Additional Security Incidents and Regional Impact
In related developments, the United Arab Emirates experienced a drone strike causing a fire in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, with no injuries reported. The UAE temporarily closed its airspace amid missile and drone threats from Iran, later reopening it after defensive measures were implemented.
European Union informal councils, initially disrupted by a drone attack on a British air base in Cyprus, are set to resume in Cyprus in April and June, according to Cyprus Energy Minister Michael Damianos.
Meanwhile, US Senator Rick Scott emphasized national security over economic concerns, stating that America must destroy Iran's "ability to kill us" despite high gas prices. The embassy in Baghdad had issued a security alert prior to the attack, warning of threats from Iran-aligned militias.
