Kataib Hezbollah Threatens U.S. Bases in Iraq Over Iran-Israel Tensions

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia, issued a statement Sunday warning that it would target U.S. bases in Iraq should Washington intervene in the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. The threat follows Iran's missile strikes on areas in northern Israel, which came after Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Israel's military said it detected the Iranian-origin missile attacks and confirmed it was prepared for confrontation. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf criticized Israel's Lebanon operations, saying the United States and Israel understand only "the language of force." Qalibaf accused both parties of refusing to abide by ceasefire agreements and rejecting dialogue. Regional tensions remain high as Iran has threatened to respond to strikes on southern Beirut suburbs, with mutual military activity continuing across the region.