The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed responsibility for a missile strike on a United States military facility in northern Iraq, according to Al Jazeera. In a statement, the IRGC’s public relations department said the attack targeted the US Army headquarters at Harir Air Base in Erbil, located in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. The group stated that five missiles were fired at the site during the operation. The strike marks a sharp escalation in regional tensions. Harir Air Base is an important base used by international coalition forces, and targeting it signals a direct challenge to US military operations in the region.

Earlier on Tuesday, tensions also affected diplomatic sites when a drone strike targeted a mission of the United Arab Emirates in the Kurdish region of Iraq. The attack caused structural damage to the UAE’s consulate building, though officials reported that no casualties occurred. The incident came just hours after the UAE expressed frustration about being drawn into the conflict, stating it was being targeted unfairly despite not taking part in attacks against Iran.

Regional tensions have been rising since joint US and Israeli military actions against Iran began on February 28. In response to the drone strike, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incident, calling it a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability. The ministry also stressed that attacks on diplomatic missions violate international laws and norms. However, officials did not identify who launched the drone.

On Monday, the UAE had already lodged a complaint saying it did not want to become involved in the conflict and had not participated in any operations against Iran. Amid the growing instability, Australia announced it would deploy military assets to support the UAE’s defensive capabilities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said missiles and aircraft would be sent to the region as a precaution. He explained that the move was aimed at protecting Australians in the area and assisting partners in the UAE.

As part of the deployment, Australia will send a Boeing-built E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, which is expected to operate for an initial four weeks to help monitor and safeguard airspace over Gulf countries. Albanese also confirmed that advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles would be supplied to the UAE after a discussion with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The broader conflict has now continued for more than ten days. On Monday, US President Donald Trump suggested the military campaign might soon come to an end. He said the operation was intended to eliminate threats and could help bring down oil and gas prices for American families. Later, Trump described the US military actions in Iran as a temporary operation, referring to it as a short-term mission aimed at addressing regional security concerns.