The US embassy in Iraq issued a security advisory to its citizens in the capital, Baghdad, and soon Iran struck. On Friday, Iran directed its drone attacks at the Erbil Arjaan by Rotana Hotel, normally frequented by international guests.
By so doing, Iran sought to hurt the US and its allies by killing their people. The hotel is also in the Kurdish area of Iraq. Iran also wanted to cause harm to the Kurds and their property, as well as cause panic among them. Apparently, Iran is aware of the US’ intention to use the Kurds against it.
Iranian President says “Sorry.”
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed remorse to the Gulf States for taking the fight to their territory. He promised to stop targeting them for missile and drone attacks, unless Iran is attacked from there.
Despite that apology, a drone or missile targeting Dubai International Airport exploded very close to it on Friday. Even if it narrowly missed it, such an attack is bound to cause panic among the residents of Dubai.
Intensity of War Rises on Both Sides
Just as darkness was intensifying at night, the southern part of Tehran was attacked from above. People could see flames rising in the distance and a smoky atmosphere engulfing the area.
Nevertheless, those attacks did not deter Iran from making its hits on Israel. On Friday night, sirens rent the air after Iran launched massive strikes in Tel Aviv.
The Cost of the War is Rising
The cost of this war is increasing by the day. Initially, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assumed it would not take much for Iran to surrender.
In their calculation, President Masoud Pezeshkian would be under too much pressure from his people to continue waging a counter-offensive. In fact, according to Trump, it was time for regime change.
Now Iran’s counterattacks have shifted from military assets to anything that hurts the US or Israel. Hence, the attacks on big hotels and airports. Monetarily, too, the war is running into billions of dollars.