Why Has Iran Launched a Missile Attack on US Forces in Iraq?

Here’s what you need to know.

Earlier today, the Pentagon confirmed that Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two air bases in Iraq that house US troops. A US official told CNN that there were no reports of any US casualties, but an assessment of the impact of the strikes is still taking place.

US President Donald Trump has reiterated on Twitter that "all is well!".

If you’ve been bombarded with news headlines about the attack, you might be wondering: Why did Iran launch the missiles in the first place? 

Let’s get you up to speed.

As reported by the ABC, Iranian state TV said the missile attack was in response to America’s killing of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani last week. Soleimani, who was head of Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps' Quds Force, died during an American drone strike at Baghdad International Airport on Friday.  

A three-day national mourning period was declared in Iran to honour Soleimani.

The airstrike on 4 January occured amid rising tensions between the US and Iran, and aimed to prevent any future attacks that were allegedly being planned by Iran. US defence secretary Mark Esper claimed this alleged attack being plotted by Soleimani was just days away from happening.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif, took to Twitter to clarify that Iran does not seek war. Instead, he says today's missile attack was an act of self-defence.

The situation is being closely monitored down under, with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison posting a statement to Twitter. He has also confirmed that no Australian diplomatic or Australian Defence Force (ADF) staff were injured in the attack.

At this stage, it is not clear what will happen next, but Trump is expected to give a statement tomorrow morning.

Header Image: NurPhoto / Contributor / NurPhoto via Getty Images.