The U.S. embassies in Baghdad and Oslo became focal points of aggression as hostilities between the United States and Iran intensified. On Saturday, security incidents were reported at both embassies, which are located in the capitals of Iraq and Norway, respectively. According to security sources, a quartet of rockets was fired towards the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad's highly secure Green Zone. Three of these rockets were successfully intercepted by the U.S. Army's Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) defense system, with videos circulating online showcasing the system in action. Officials confirmed that the fourth rocket impacted an open space within the embassy's airbase, fortunately resulting in no injuries.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani condemned the attack, attributing it to rogue militant factions within Iraq and emphasizing the affront to Iraqi sovereignty and security. Al-Sudani has directed local security forces to apprehend the perpetrators. This incident marked the first direct assault on the Green Zone diplomatic enclave since the commencement of the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran just days prior.
Concurrently, an explosion rattled the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Oslo. Norwegian police and authorities reported minor injuries and some damage to the embassy's consular entrance. Police Chief Michael Dellemyr acknowledged that the cause of the blast has yet to be ascertained, with no suspects or responsible groups identified at this stage. Eyewitness accounts describe smoke emanating from the area post-explosion.
These events unfold against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions, with Israel launching a fresh series of airstrikes on Tehran, targeting Iranian energy facilities. In retaliation, Iran has executed missile and drone strikes across multiple Persian Gulf nations. Iran's wartime leader, Ali Larijani, has issued a stark warning to the U.S. while also disseminating unverified claims regarding the capture of American soldiers—allegations that U.S. Central Command has vehemently denied, accusing Iran of propagating misinformation.
Amidst these developments, President Donald Trump has indicated the potential deployment of U.S. ground troops into Iran under certain conditions. The international community watches closely as the situation continues to evolve, with diplomatic missions becoming increasingly vulnerable targets in this fraught geopolitical climate.
