The confrontation between the United States and Iran appeared to widen again on Friday, with Iranian authorities reporting new U.S. strikes inside Iran, Tehran warning other countries against assisting Washington, and explosions heard near Erbil airport in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.
Several blasts were heard near Erbil airport, which hosts U.S.-led coalition troops, according to an AFP correspondent at the scene. Air defences were activated, drones were seen over the city and smoke was visible in the airport area.
Erbil has repeatedly come under drone alerts since the latest round of Middle East hostilities resumed. The city also hosts a major U.S. consulate complex, making it one of the most sensitive points in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region.
Inside Iran, officials said the United States struck an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval headquarters in Zibakenar, in the northern province of Gilan. Ali Bagheri, the province’s deputy governor, was quoted by Iran’s IRNA news agency as saying the attack damaged equipment at the complex.
Iranian state media also reported a separate overnight U.S. attack in the southwestern province of Khuzestan. Local officials said at least four people were killed and five others wounded in areas around the city of Ahvaz.
Tehran responded with a broader warning to countries in the region. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said any state that participates in, cooperates with or assists U.S. attacks on Iran would bear international responsibility. He said Iran reserved the right to take “all necessary measures” in self-defence.
Iran’s army also said it had launched drone strikes on U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Jordan. In a statement carried by state TV, the army said Arash kamikaze drones targeted fuel tanks, equipment warehouses, silos and barracks at Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain.
Iran’s army also claimed attacks on al-Azraq base in Jordan, saying it targeted aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities and barracks. Jordan, however, had not reported any strikes in the hours after the Iranian statement.
Tehran threatened that any facility in the Middle East used by the U.S. military to strike Iran is a legitimate target for retaliation. Washington has previously said its strikes are aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and regional shipping.
