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CNN’s Barbara Starr on Friday that “Iranian maritime forces in the Persian Gulf raised readiness levels in last 48 hours.” The official acknowledged that it is not clear if the moves are “defensive” because Iran is expecting a US attack or if Iran is gearing up to go on the offensive.
In the weeks and months leading up to the anniversary of Soleimani’s killing, Iran has faced constant provocations from the US and Israel. Tensions began to simmer in November after a report said President Trump reviewed options to attack an Iranian nuclear site. Iran responded to the news by preaching caution to its allies in the region, while Israel took it as a signal to escalate tensions.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed “Iran-backed” groups in Iraq for a Sunday rocket attack on the US embassy in Baghdad’s Green Zone.
“Iran-backed militias once again flagrantly and recklessly attacked in Baghdad, wounding Iraqi civilians,” Pompeo wrote on Twitter. No deaths were reported in Sunday’s attack, but some reports said Iraqis were injured by the barrage of rockets.
Iran denied involvement in the attack. “Attacking diplomatic and residential premises is not acceptable,” Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, said.
Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi Shia group that is seen as close to Iran, also denied responsibility for the attack. The group issued a statement on the incident, calling it “uncontrolled” and “a threat to civilian lives.”