16 January 2024 , 23:00
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Iran's Monday night missile attack on Iraq, which nearly hit US consulate buildings, has put “Iran and the United States inching closer to open
warfare,” it is claimed.
Former FBI Middle East and terrorism expert Ali Soufan’s warning came as tensions in the Red Sea escalated with the US launching a new strike against the Yemen-based Houthis yesterday.
The US destroyed four Houthi ballistic missiles which had threatened ships in the region. It was the third recent assault on the Iran-backed group.
The Houthis earlier claimed responsibility for a missile attack against a Malta-flagged cargo ship. No one was hurt.
Mr Soufan says Iran’s “hardline stances” means it favours “attacks on US and allied interests” with US officials under pressure to “respond forcefully.”
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His report, Are The US and Iran Headed Toward Conflict? argues that Iran is supporting its allies and proxies in stopping “ US efforts to limit the war to Gaza.” It warns the UK, part of the multi-national effort to protect Red Sea shipping against the Houthis, would be drawn into a conflict.
The crisis follows a barrage of missiles fired by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards against western targets in Erbil, northern Iraq. They had claimed to be targeting an Israeli “Mossad HQ.” Sources said it is possible Mossad had an HQ near the US consulate.
Five died and six were hurt in the strike. The US said none of its staff were hit. The attacks were part of Iran’s support for its proxies backing Hamas in its war against Israel.
Mr Soufan warns that war between Iran and the US is more of a risk as the two sides are not talking with “diplomatic pathways for de-escalation absent.”
Yesterday Hamas launched 50 rockets into Israel from an area in Gaza supposed to be been controlled by Israeli forces.
Retaliation risk
For months, Iran and its proxies in Iraq have fired missiles at US bases and Western targets in northern Iraq.
Many were inaccurate and calculated not to go too far, but to remind US and UK forces they are not wanted.
But these latest missiles, officially claimed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, are serious and the US may be forced to respond robustly.
Former FBI Middle East and terrorism expert Ali Soufan (AFP via Getty Images)This threatens to tip the region towards all-out war between the US and Iran – and the UK would get involved.
Claims that Israel has Mossad agents in Erbil, northern Iraq, could make it a target for Iran. Tensions are soaring and the US is highly likely to be considering major targeted attacks against Iran.
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