The United States embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, was struck by a missile on Saturday, sending smoke billowing into the air, as President Donald Trump announced that US forces had “totally obliterated” every military target on Iran’s strategic Kharg Island .
Smoke was seen rising from the US embassy compound in the Iraqi capital shortly after explosions were heard across the city, according to AFP journalists at the scene . Security sources gave conflicting accounts of the attack, with some suggesting a drone strike while others cited a projectile, believed to be a rocket, hitting near the embassy’s airbase . The embassy’s helipad was also reportedly targeted .
The attack occurred shortly after two members of the Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah were killed in strikes on Iraq’s capital, according to security sources .
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that the United States Central Command had executed “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East” on Iran’s Kharg Island .
“Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every military target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,” Trump wrote .
The president said he chose “for the reason of decency” not to target the island’s critical oil infrastructure . Kharg Island is Iran’s main oil export hub, handling approximately 90 to 95 per cent of the country’s crude exports .
Iranian state media confirmed that US airstrikes targeted air defences, a naval base, and airport facilities on the island, resulting in more than 15 explosions and thick smoke, but reported no damage to oil infrastructure .
A spokesperson from Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that any attack on Iran’s oil, economic or energy assets would lead to the destruction of “all corresponding US facilities in the region” .
Trump warned that if Iran or any other actor interferes with the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, he would immediately reconsider his decision to spare oil infrastructure . He added that the US Navy would “soon” begin escorting tankers through the strategic waterway .
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps announced it had launched the 48th wave of attacks against Israel, carried out in coordination with Hezbollah in Lebanon . The IRGC reported using a sophisticated mix of weaponry, including “solid-fuel Kheibar Shekan missiles, liquid-fuel Qadr missiles, and attack drones” .
The Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for individuals in an industrial area of the western Iranian city of Tabriz, urging people to immediately evacuate for their safety . A map outlining the designated zone was released with the warning .
At least 12 medical personnel were killed in an Israeli strike on a primary healthcare center in the town of Burj Qalawiya in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese health ministry . The death toll from Israeli strikes in Lebanon has risen to at least 773 people .
Qatari authorities evacuated parts of Doha’s central Musheireb district as a precautionary measure, where offices for Google and American Express are located . Qatar intercepted two missile attacks overnight .
The conflict has pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel, with Brent contracts soaring more than 42 per cent since the war began . The UN warned that shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could drive up costs for food, medicine and other lifesaving supplies worldwide .
