The US Embassy compound in Baghdad faced a barrage of drones and rockets early Tuesday, marking one of the most intense assaults since the US-Israel war against Iran began. Iraqi security sources reported at least five drones involved, with air defenses intercepting them and shrapnel causing a fire at the site. No casualties were reported from the embassy attack.

The incident follows a missile strike on March 14 that hit a helipad inside the compound, producing smoke and damaging part of the air defense system. Videos showed explosions near the Green Zone facility on Monday evening, with counter-rocket systems firing thousands of rounds per minute to engage threats about 600 meters away. A pro-Iranian militia released drone footage claiming a fly-through of the compound without impact.

Iran-aligned groups, including the Islamic Resistance in Iraq such as Kataib Hezbollah, have pledged attacks on US targets to avenge the assassination of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes that ignited the conflict on February 28. These militias, designated terrorists by the US, operate under Iran's influence and have targeted US facilities repeatedly.

The US Embassy issued a security alert on March 16, stating Iran-aligned terrorist militias have conducted attacks on the International Zone in central Baghdad, which remains closed with limited exceptions. All routine consular services are suspended at the embassy and Erbil consulate, and Americans are urged to leave Iraq immediately due to risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and missile fire. The State Department maintains a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning for the country.

The broader war has seen Israel claim the killing of Iran's top security official Ali Larijani and other leaders, alongside strikes on missile sites and command centers in Tehran and elsewhere. Iran has retaliated regionally, with drone strikes on UAE oil facilities and threats to the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for not expanding naval patrols there. Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude exceeding $103 per barrel.

Separate explosions in Baghdad killed four people Tuesday in a strike on a house hosting Iranian advisers, amid exchanges between US forces and Iran-backed groups. Iraq serves as a key proxy battleground, with the embassy's defenses like the C-RAM system actively countering threats.