Iraq warns of "disastrous consequences" after US retaliatory attacks

Iraq have described the US attacks on their soil as a "violation of its sovereignty", and said that the actions taken by Washington will have "disastrous consequences for the security and stability of Iraq and the region".

Last night, President Joe Biden authorised strikes to hit 80 targets in Iraq and Syria in a wide-ranging air assault on sites belonging to Iran-linked militias and Tehran’s Revolutionary Guard.

The US claim they informed the Iraqi government ahead of the attacks and only targeted Iran-backed militia groups, not Iraq's military installations. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reiterated: "We're not looking for a war with Iran".

Meanwhile, militants in Iraq have reportedly targeted Al-Harir air base in the North of the country, which hosts US forces. Iraq have previously asked for the departure of international military troops following a US strike in Baghdad.

President Biden said that the response to the attacks on US troops in Jordan has begun and will continue. He added: "The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. But let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond."