Iranian Drones Strike Near US Consulate in Erbil, US Warplanes Respond
Several explosions rocked Erbil, the capital of Iraq's Kurdistan region, early Tuesday, as Iranian drones struck multiple locations in northern Iraq. Reports from local media and police sources indicate that at least four Iranian drones targeted areas in Khalifan and Soran, northeast of Erbil, with explosions also heard near the US Consulate in the city.
According to Al Jazeera, citing Iraqi police sources, the attacks caused large fires in the targeted areas, and two drones crashed near the strike sites. At least seven explosions were reported across Erbil, including in the vicinity of the US Consulate. In response, more than ten US warplanes and drones were reportedly flying over Erbil, police sources said.
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, citing Iraqi sources, reported the destruction of an American drone in Al Anbar province, with local media publishing images of a US drone crash near the Haditha Dam. Additionally, the Khor Mor gas field in Sulaymaniyah was attacked as part of the wider military activity.
The strikes come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran. US President Donald Trump told Axios on Monday that he is prepared to resume 'very strong military action' against Iran if negotiations fail, while confirming he had paused planned strikes on Iran to allow diplomacy another chance. The talks, led by Iran and Oman with involvement from Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, and US officials, are focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reviving discussions on a broader nuclear deal.
'We are in very deep talks with Iran. If they don't work out, we will go back to very strong military action,' Trump said. He added that he was willing to allow 'not much time' for diplomacy, stating, 'Either it goes fast or not at all.'
No casualties have been immediately confirmed from the strikes. The situation remains tense as both sides signal willingness to continue negotiations while maintaining military readiness.
