Iran warns Trump over 'dangerous actions' after Iraq strikes
Says Trump should reconsider the presence, behaviour of his troops in the area
US soldiers are seen at the site where an Iranian missile hit at Ain al-Asad air base in Anbar province, Iraq. PHOTO: Reuters
TEHRAN:
Iran on Friday warned US President Donald Trump against taking "dangerous actions" after American forces launched air strikes that they said targeted a pro-Iranian armed group in neighbouring Iraq.
"The United States cannot blame others... for the consequences of its illegal presence in Iraq and the nation's reaction to the assassination and killing of Iraqi commanders and fighters," foreign ministry spokesperson Abbas Mousavi said.
"Instead of dangerous actions and baseless accusations, Mr Trump should reconsider the presence and behaviour of his troops in the area," he added.
The statement was issued hours after the Pentagon said the US had launched strikes against the Kataeb Hezbollah armed faction.
US retaliatory strikes underway in Iraq: US officials
The United States said the strikes targeted five weapons facilities across Iraq.
It said they were carried out in response to the killing on Wednesday of two Americans and a Briton in a rocket attack on Taji air base.
Wednesday's attack was the 22nd on US installations in Iraq, including the American embassy, since late October.
While there was no immediate claim of responsibility, Washington has blamed what it says are Iran-backed factions from the Hashed al-Shaabi network, a state-sponsored umbrella group that includes Kataeb Hezbollah, for recent similar violence.
Iran has always denied it backs Iraqi militias.
Iran on Friday warned US President Donald Trump against taking "dangerous actions" after American forces launched air strikes that they said targeted a pro-Iranian armed group in neighbouring Iraq.
"The United States cannot blame others... for the consequences of its illegal presence in Iraq and the nation's reaction to the assassination and killing of Iraqi commanders and fighters," foreign ministry spokesperson Abbas Mousavi said.
"Instead of dangerous actions and baseless accusations, Mr Trump should reconsider the presence and behaviour of his troops in the area," he added.
The statement was issued hours after the Pentagon said the US had launched strikes against the Kataeb Hezbollah armed faction.
US retaliatory strikes underway in Iraq: US officials
The United States said the strikes targeted five weapons facilities across Iraq.
It said they were carried out in response to the killing on Wednesday of two Americans and a Briton in a rocket attack on Taji air base.
Wednesday's attack was the 22nd on US installations in Iraq, including the American embassy, since late October.
While there was no immediate claim of responsibility, Washington has blamed what it says are Iran-backed factions from the Hashed al-Shaabi network, a state-sponsored umbrella group that includes Kataeb Hezbollah, for recent similar violence.
Iran has always denied it backs Iraqi militias.