US, Israel express concern over Iranian ‘escalation’ after al Asad attack

Seven US personnel are still recovering from injuries following a rocket attack at al Asad Air Base in Iraq.

The Pentagon says Iran-backed militias were behind the strike that wounded five service members and two contractors. The attack comes as tensions are nearing a boiling point in the Middle East as Iran prepares to attack Israel over the killing of Hamas’ political leader in Tehran last week.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is urging both sides to refrain from further escalation.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday. Both of them agreed that the attack on American forces in Iraq “marked a dangerous escalation and demonstrated Iran’s destabilizing role in the region.”