Iran on Tuesday attacked U.S. military bases in Iraq with ballistic missiles as a measure of retaliation for its General Qassim Suleimani’s killing.
As announced by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei on Jan 3rd, 2020, direct action against the United States forces has been initiated today by attacking 2 U.S. military bases in Iraq. Initially, reports suggested that heavy damage has been caused in these attacks. Some of the reports even claimed that at least 80 U.S. army personnel got killed apart from heavy artillery damage.
After these attacks, there was speculation that the Iran retaliation may lead to a war-like situation in the Middle East. But the U.S. president in his speech after the Iran attacks has defused the tensions. Also, the Iran rulers have made clear that Iran also desires to maintain peace in the region.
Also, read: Tensions Escalate Between Iran And US After Soleimani Killing
Donald Trump has stated firmly that Iran will never become a Nuclear nation during his regime. Also, the United States is the No.1 producer of oil and natural gas in the world. This statement indirectly indicates that the U.S. is no longer dependent on the Middle East countries to fulfill its oil and gas needs. Trump added that Suleimani was killed because he was planning to attack the U.S
On the other hand, Iran also indicated that there is no intention to continue the tensions and war-like situation in the region. At the same time, it also reiterated its stand of evacuating the U.S troops from Iraq. Since, 2014, nearly 5,200 U.S troops are staying in Iraq in the name of peace restoration in the Middle-East.
But the present situation in Iraq for the U.S army has become unfavourable. Inside Iraq itself, the support for the U.S army is diminishing. Iraq has also passed a resolution in its parliament which states that the U.S army should now leave the country.