Iran strikes US base in Iraq: World divided, oil prices surge; everything you need to know

On January 8, Iran launched a series of missiles at two Iraqi bases — Ain al-As and Erbil, hosting American and or coalition troops, in a state of retaliation to US striking IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani on directions of Donald Trump at Baghd's airport last week. attack ensued as Tehran vowed of a "harsh retaliation" against United States, over killing of country's second most significant figure. In response to strike, which Supreme Leer of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei called a 'slap on America's face', US President in a tweet claimed that "all is well." "Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties and dams taking place w. So far, so good! We have most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning" he said. 

Iranian state media claimed that '80 American terrorists' were killed in missiles fired to Iraq and that y alrey have 100 targets in its sight in case of Washington's misventures.  However, contrary to Irani claim, a senior Iraqi defense official tified that American or Iraqi troops were killed in targetted attack. re has been confirmation over eir of claims by Pentagon yet.  In dition, troops from Poland, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Britain, who were stationed at military base along with American troops confirmed that ne of ir servicemen were killed.  

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Here is everything that happened after Iran's military retaliation: 

Iran threatens US, Israel, and allies

After designating US military as a 'terrorist organisation' on Tuesday, IRGC spokesperson, in his anuncement threatened Western country to return its troops to "prevent furr losses" and called missile attacks as "first step" against US troops. IRGC furr warned US allies in region of retaliation if aggression is initiated from ir territory, thus alerting Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

IRGC spokesperson said, "We warn great Satan, bloodthirsty and arrogant regime of US, that any new wicked act or more moves and aggressions (against Iran) will bring more painful and crushing responses. We are warning all US allies who gave ir bases to its terrorist army that any territory that in any way becomes starting point of hostile and aggressive acts against Islamic Republic of Iran will be targeted."

World reaction 

• Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has previously attempted to douse tensions between two nations, yet again urged Tehran and Washington with a similar appeal. Prime Minister of Japan is expected to visit Arab nations--Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman soon, amid strains in Middle East.  " government will coordinate with related governments to collect intelligence while we ensure safety of Japanese citizens in region. Japan will also urge all related nations to do ir utmost diplomatic effort to improve relation."

• Israel 

US' ardent ally Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exuded country's support to United States. Picking sides, Netanyahu said, "Soleimani was planning much worse. President Trump should be congratulated for acting swiftly, boldly and resolutely against this terrorist-in-chief. For acting against this terrorist-in-chief, he was architect in driving Iran's campaign of carn and terror throughout middle-east and throughout world."

"What I am saying today openly, and what I have said in recent days, many many leers in middle-east think is very important to say as I do w again that Israel stands completely beside United States. Once again, I want to say what I have said before and I repeat it today, America has better friend than Israel and Israel has better friend than United States," Israeli PM ded. Meanwhile, US' close regional ally and Iran's arch-foe, Saudi Arabia have maintained a deafening silence on issue. 

• Russia

Iran's strategic ally, Russia, warned of a possible 'nuclear war' over soaring tensions between Tehran and Washington, following missile launched at Iraqi bases housing US troops. Russian lawmaker of Moscow's Upper House, Vlimir Dzhabarov, warned of an 'all-out war' in region, over persisting conflict. Opining on Iran's retaliation, Russian leer said, "Reciprocal strikes by US and Iran may le to an all-out war in region. If Washington sees that it can't achieve its goals, re's a danger of a nuclear war." attack ensued Tehran's warning of a "harsh retaliation" against United States. 

• China 

China on Wednesday urged restraint from all sides, saying Beijing would play a "responsible role" in helping to defuse tensions. "It is t in interest of any party that situation in Middle East worsens furr," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing

• Iraq 

Iraq on Wednesday said that Tehran h given vance tice of missile attack on US forces. Tehran provided information saying that strike would be limited to where US military was located in country without specifying locations. 

• Finland 

In a similar statement, Defence Force of Finland tified that y were previously warned of Iranian strike against bases in Iraq housing US troops. 

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Travel visories issued

Ministry of External Affairs, India, official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar issued a travel visory for Indian nationals in view of prevailing situation in Iraq. MEA has vised Indians to avoid all n-essential travel to Iraq until furr tice. 

Iranian envoy to India said that Tehran is willing to welcome any peace initiative by New Delhi for de-escalation of tensions with US. "India usually plays a very good role in (maintaining) peace in world. At same time, India belongs to this region. We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to t allow escalations," Iranian ambassor said. 

Pakistan too cautioned its citizens asking m to "exercise maximum caution while planning a visit to Iraq at this point." "Those alrey in Iraq are vised to remain in close contact with Embassy of Pakistan in Baghd," it ded.  Philippines ordered its citizens to leave Iraq in fear of country turning into a proxy for Iran and US. " alert level in entire Iraq has been raised to alert level 4 calling for mandatory evacuation," Foreign Ministry said. 

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Oil price surge 

impact of tensions spiraling in Middle Eastern region after Iran's retaliation on US reflected sharply on oil prices by almost 5%.   prospect of wider regional unrest, h an effect on stock markets across Asia as well, as markets have been on edge. 

Until May 2019, India was second-largest buyer of crude oil, next to China, from Iran. Despite Trump's pressure, India h purchased 479,500 barrels of crude oil per day from Middle Eastern country. Though India h previously stated that it refuses to here to unilateral sanctions by a country, it has hardly expressed its discontent over US imposition of sanctions on Iran, putting new challenges to New Delhi's bilateral ties with both--Tehran and Washington.

Significance of Ain al-As and Erbil bases

In past two years, US President Donald Trump and his vice president Mike Pence have me unexpected visits to bases. Al As base in Western Iraq has been so vast since US invasion that it w comprises of cinemas, swimming pools, fast food joints, and internal bus routes. base, located in Anbar province has been a hotbed for Islamic State between 2014-2017. 

After US' 2003 invasion of Iraq, base became biggest for American troops, and was even fondly called "Camp cupcake." During Trump's visit to base in Christmas 2018, Trump h claimed that base was "extraordinarily expensive" and that it cost US "billions of dollars" for its construction. Meanwhile, base in Erbil base, which was targetted by Iran is based in Kurdish-populated area in Iraq, run by Kurdish Regional Government. re are currently 5,000 US troops in Iraq, who were deployed to fight Islamic State in 2014, however, this week, in a n-binding vote Iraqi Parliament voted to oust US troops. On Tuesday Donald Trump h reiterated his desire to pull troops out of Iraq, however, t immediately.  

In his election year, Trump has been working to isolate Iran both ecomically and politically by making big decisions, leing to Wednesday's events.  However, any furr considerable escalation may le to international consequences with fluctuations in crude oil, putting major oil and tre routes in  Strait of Hormuz in a vulnerable position, with ecomic and security concerns in region and across world.  death of General Soleimani and Iraq's pro-Hezbollah Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis marks a significant watershed in Middle Eastern policy and Iran-US relations. In past dece, under leership of Soleimani, Iran conducted proxy wars across Middle East region in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and parts of Leban controlled by Hezbollah. He was instrumental in shaping Iran's influence in region, which was threatened by arch-foes -- West, Saudi Arabia, and Israeli. 

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