Iranian strikes have hit the US embassy in Baghdad as the Islamic Republic continues to launch drones and missiles against the Gulf states.
The embassy building was struck by shrapnel after a wave of drones was intercepted by Iraqi air defences, causing a fire.
Per the Associated Press, the impact centred on a helipad within the embassy compound.
WATCH: Explosion as US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq hit by drone https://t.co/yXSevv5ell pic.twitter.com/Ixb8tEeDfM
It marks the second attack on the building since the weekend, as Iran continues to strike US and Israeli-linked targets across the region.
But the Islamic Republic is also targeting critical energy infrastructure, civilian areas and commercial shipping.
Strikes have been reported at the Shah gas field in the UAE, one of the most extensive natural gas facilities in the world, and the emirates’ largest oil production plant in Fujairah, as well as a major oil field in Iraq.
And a tanker in the Gulf of Oman, just off the coast of Fujairah, was hit by an “unknown projectile” on Monday, causing a fire in the port.
Perhaps most significantly, Tehran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane in the Persian Gulf, by threatening attacks on commercial vessels.
Around 20 per cent of global oil supply passes through the strait, and its closure has sent prices over $100 per barrel.
In response, the White House has suggested that America's Nato allies should help the US ensure free passage in the strait.
Discussing the plan on Monday, President Trump said: "Numerous countries have told me they’re on the way.
"Some are very enthusiastic about it… and some aren’t. The level of enthusiasm matters to me.
"We strongly encourage the other nations to get involved with us and get involved quickly, with great enthusiasm."
However, he subsequently added: "We don’t need anybody. We’re the strongest nation in the world.
"I’m almost doing [this initiative]… because I want to find out how [countries will] react. I’ve been saying for years that if we ever did need them, they won’t be there."
The UK has said it will send mine-sweeping drones to protect the strait, but will not deploy warships to protect commercial shipping.
Its only naval deployment will be in the form of the HMS Dragon, which is being sent to Cyprus to defend RAF Akrotiri after the base came under Iranian bombardment earlier this month.
Likewise, when asked to comment on the plan, a spokesman for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that, in Berlin's opinion, the war "has nothing to do with Nato".
And Paris has insisted it will not send its navy to reopen the strait, saying France will only conduct defensive operations and will not become actively involved in the war.
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