Baghdad/Iraq – Washington, March 17 – The U.S. Embassy and a hotel in Baghdad were targeted by drones early Tuesday, as fresh attacks on energy sites and shipping in the Gulf underscore a sharp rise in U.S.–Israel tensions with Iran‑backed groups.
Videos and geolocated footage show air‑defence systems engaging a projectile near the embassy compound in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, with at least one drone apparently striking inside the perimeter and sparking a fire. Iraqi authorities confirmed that a drone hit the fence of the Al‑Rasheed Hotel, causing no loss of life or major damage.
At the same time, the Majnoon oil field in southern Iraq was attacked by drones, Iraqi military officials told CNN, adding to a spate of strikes on energy infrastructure.
Across the Gulf, a tanker was struck by an “unknown projectile” about 23 nautical miles east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported. The vessel sustained only minor structural damage, with no injuries to crew and no detected environmental impact. Authorities are investigating and have urged ships to transit with caution.
A separate drone strike also triggered a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, Emirati media said, although emergency teams prevented casualties. In response, the UAE temporarily closed its airspace following fires at Fujairah and the Shah gas field after drone attacks at both locations.
Saudi Arabia earlier reported that its forces intercepted and destroyed several drones in the eastern part of the kingdom, adding to a series of similar interceptions in recent days.
In the backdrop, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call to discuss the “grave threats” regional attacks pose to security and stability. Both leaders described Iranian‑linked strikes against Gulf states as violations of sovereign rights and breaches of international norms.
These attacks come amid a wider regional build‑up following the U.S.–Israel joint strikes on Iran last month, which Tehran says killed more than 1,300 people and injured over 10,000.
