U.S. Embassy Targeted in Baghdad as Pentagon Prepares Largest Strike Wave Against Iran

The conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated significantly over the last 24 hours, marked by a high-intensity assault on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. Rockets and drones targeted the compound, resulting in at least one strike that caused fire and smoke within the facility. Simultaneously, an airstrike in Baghdad’s Jadiriya district killed four people, and four U.S. service members were reported killed in a plane crash over Iraq. In Washington, Defense Secretary Hegseth announced that Friday would see the 'greatest number' of U.S. strikes on Iran yet, emphasizing that the U.S. will not allow shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to be contested. Regionally, diplomatic and military coordination is shifting. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured Saudi Arabia of firm support during these 'challenging times,' while the Pentagon revealed that U.S. and Israeli forces have already hit over 15,000 targets in Iran. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected ceasefire talks, asserting that the war must end permanently and claiming that national resolve has strengthened following the death of the Supreme Leader. Despite the heavy bombardment, monitoring of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure continues. Russian officials reported no detected changes in radiation levels at Iranian nuclear sites. However, the humanitarian situation across the broader region continues to deteriorate, with Israeli evacuation orders now covering 14% of Lebanon and reports of rising antisemitic incidents in Western countries as oil markets remain volatile due to the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz.