A series of missile strikes targeted US military facilities in Iraq on Saturday, according to multiple defense officials, marking the first significant escalation since the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran was announced last month. The attacks, which damaged two airbases in the western province of Al Anbar, were claimed by a faction aligned with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to a statement released by the group. The US Department of Defense confirmed the strikes but did not immediately attribute responsibility, citing ongoing investigations.
The incident occurs amid stalled negotiations to end a three-month conflict in the region, which has seen escalating proxy battles and cross-border attacks. Diplomatic sources familiar with the talks confirmed that a planned round of indirect discussions between US and Iranian envoys in Oman was postponed last week, though no official reason was given. The delay comes as both sides maintain conflicting demands: the US insists on a unilateral withdrawal of Iranian-backed militias from Syria, while Iran has called for guarantees against future US military strikes.
Regional allies of both nations have expressed concern over the renewed violence. A statement from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) urged “immediate de-escalation” but stopped short of condemning either party. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session on Sunday, with diplomats emphasizing the need for “transparent dialogue” to prevent further destabilization. No resolution was adopted, as Russia and China reiterated their opposition to unilateral sanctions against Iran.
The US military has deployed additional fighter jets to the Persian Gulf, according to a defense contractor’s internal memo obtained by Reuters. The memo, dated April 5, notes that F-35s and B-1 bombers are now stationed in Bahrain and Qatar “in response to evolving regional threats.” A Pentagon spokesperson declined to confirm the details, stating only that “force postures are regularly adjusted to ensure readiness.”
Iranian state media reported that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addressed the country’s parliament on Sunday, calling the US “a failing empire” and vowing to “protect regional sovereignty.” The speech, broadcast live, included no direct references to the recent attacks but reiterated Tehran’s stance on ending what it calls “foreign occupation” in the Middle East. Analysts note that Khamenei’s rhetoric often precedes strategic shifts, though his exact position on the ceasefire remains unclear.
Efforts to broker a deal have been complicated by internal divisions within both governments. In the US, bipartisan pressure has grown for a clearer exit strategy from the conflict, while in Iran, hardline factions have resisted diplomatic overtures. A senior European Union official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the bloc is “exploring all avenues to facilitate communication” but acknowledged the challenges posed by “deep-seated mistrust.”
The next scheduled meeting between US and Iranian negotiators is set for May 15 in Vienna, though participants have not yet been formally named. Until then, the focus remains on containing the immediate crisis. A US State Department spokesperson reiterated that “all options are on the table” to ensure security, while Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian called for “a just and comprehensive solution” to the conflict.
