"Iraq Accuses US of Lying About Airstrikes, Warns of Disastrous Consequences"

The Iraqi government condemned US airstrikes that killed at least 16 people, including civilians, and warned of dire consequences in the region, denying coordination with Washington and summoning the US charge d’affaires in Baghdad for a formal protest. The US targeted Iran-linked sites in Iraq and Syria in response to an attack that killed American soldiers in Jordan amid Israel’s war on Gaza, prompting criticism from Iraqi and Syrian officials and a warning from President Joe Biden that the strikes will continue. The Biden administration's actions triggered dissatisfied reactions from US politicians, with concerns about potential escalation and calls for stronger attacks on Iran, while experts emphasize the need to address the Gaza conflict to de-escalate tensions in the region.