On Tuesday, an Iranian missile strike on targets in northern Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region caused a row, with Baghdad recalling its ambassador from Tehran in protest. For their part, the Iranians are insisting that the attack was to deter threats from Israeli spies.
The missile strike was carried out by Iran's elite Republican Guard. Iranian media also reported that the fighting force struck out against the Islamic State in Syria a day before. The Republican Guards also said they "fired a number of ballistic missiles in Syria and destroyed the perpetrators of terrorist operations" in Iran, including the Islamic State.
This is but the latest in a series of events that some fear will spiral into a region-wide conflict. There had already been significant rumblings about Iraq becoming a theater for conflict after U.S. strikes against groups alleged to be linked to Iran that are also part of Iraq's security forces.
Reuters reports that it is the first direct military action by Iran that is linked to the Gaza war. Iraq recalled its envoy from Iran and summoned Iranian officials in Baghdad. They further stated they would take all legal actions against what it called a violation of its sovereignty.
The attack took place in a residential area near the U.S. consulate in Kurdistan's capital, Erbil. Kurdish Prime Minster Msarour Barzani said it was a "crime against the Kurdish people." At least four civilians were killed and six injured according to reports. Influential Kurdish businessman Peshraw Dizayeee and several members of his family were reportedly among the dead when a rocket crashed into their home, according to Iraqi security forces.
What Does Iran Have To Say?
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said that it respected the territorial integrity of Iran but it was his country's "legitimate right to deter national security threats."
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for bombings in Iran that killed nearly 100 people at the memorial for commander Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a strike by United States armed forces.
France accused Iran of violating Iraq's sovereignty and Washington condemned the attacks as "reckless", while American officials said no U.S. facilities were struck and there were no U.S. casualties.
Iran has carried out strikes in the Kurdistan region in the past and asserts the area is a staging ground for Iranian separatist groups and Israeli agents.
