The United States has threatened Iran with a response over the unrest in the Iraqi city of Basra, saying Tehran will be held accountable for any possible harm to the American citizens stationed there.
The White House issued the warning on Tuesday, days after protests over alleged corruption and government neglect escalated into deadly violence in the oil-rich port city.
At least 12 protesters were killed in Basra and many of its institutions and buildings, including Iran’s consulate, were set ablaze by a group of masked assailants on Friday.
Meanwhile, three mortar shells struck the ultra-secure green zone in Baghdad, which houses Iraqi authorities and the US Embassy, on Friday and unknown assailants fired Katyusha rockets at the airport in Basra, which also houses the US consulate, on Saturday.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders blamed Iran. “Over the past few days, we have seen life-threatening attacks in Iraq,…