"Iran's Missile Strikes in Northern Iraq Spark Regional Dispute and US Condemnation"

An Iranian missile strike on targets in northern Iraq has sparked a dispute between Iran and Iraq, with Baghdad recalling its ambassador in protest and Tehran insisting the attack was intended to deter threats from Israeli spies. The strike has raised concerns about worsening instability across the Middle East, with Iran's allies entering the fray from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Iraq's Prime Minister called the attack "clear aggression" and a dangerous development that undermined the strong relationship between Tehran and Baghdad, leading to the recall of Iraq's envoy from Tehran and summoning of Iran's charge d'affaires in Baghdad. The strike, which killed at least four civilians, has been condemned by France and the U.S. as "reckless," while Iran defends it as a legitimate right to deter national security threats.