Iran struck back at the United States early Wednesday, firing 15 ballistic missiles in two waves at two military bases in Iraq housing American troops in a major escalation between the two longtime foes.
US officials said 10 missiles hit the Ain al-Asad base and one hit the US base in Irbil. Four failed, said the officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly about a military operation.
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Iranian state television said on Wednesday that at least 80 "American terrorists" were killed in the missile strikes and that none of the missiles were intercepted.
State TV, citing a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps source, also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. It also said US helicopters and military equipment were "severely damaged."
US and Iraqi officials said there were no immediate reports of casualties, though buildings were still being searched.
Two Iraqi security officials said at least one of the missiles appeared to have struck a plane at the Ain al-Asad base, igniting a fire. There were no reports of casualties from the attacks, according to the officials.
Ain al-Asad air base houses about 1,500 US and coalition forces.
It was Iran's most direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the US Embassy in Tehran, and Iranian state TV said it was in revenge for the US killing of General Qassem Soleimani, whose death last week in an American drone strike near Baghdad prompted angry calls to avenge his slaying.
The strikes, which came as Iran buried Soleimani, raised fears that the two longtime foes were closer to war. But there were some indications that there would not be further retaliation on either side, at least in the short term.
US President Donald Trump, however, tweeted shortly after the missile attacks that "All is well!" adding, "So far, so good" regarding casualties. US defense officials were at the White House to discuss options with Trump.
All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020
Moments earlier, Iran's foreign minister tweeted that Tehran had taken and "concluded proportionate measures in self-defense," adding that Tehran did "not seek escalation" but would defend itself against further aggression.
The IRGC warned the US and its regional allies against retaliating over the missile attack.
"We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted," the IRGC said. It also threatened Israel.
According to NBC News Tehran bureau chief Ali Arouzi, Iran threatened to unleash attacks on Haifa in northern Israel and Dubai in United Arab Emirates if the US retaliates.
"Iran is warning that if there is retaliation for the two waves of attacks they launched their 3rd wave will destroy Dubai and Haifa," Arouzi tweeted.
Iran is warning that if there is retaliation for the two waves of attacks they launched their 3rd wave will destroy Dubai and Haifa.#iran #Soleimani #war
— Ali Arouzi (@aliarouzi) January 8, 2020
Adding to the chaos and overall jitters, a Ukrainian airplane carrying 176 people crashed outside Tehran on Wednesday morning, state TV reported. A statement Wednesday morning from the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said all crew and passengers on board are dead. The plane had taken off from Imam Khomeini International Airport and mechanical issues were suspected to be the cause, the report said.
The US Federal Aviation Administration, meanwhile, said it would ban US carriers from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, the Gulf of Oman and the waters between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Several foreign airlines said they would now avoid flying over the affected areas.
The US Maritime Administration warned ships across the Mideast, citing the rising threats. Oil tankers were targeted in mine attacks last year that the US blamed on Iran. Tehran denied responsibility, although it did seize oil tankers around the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's crude oil travels.
The US Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet said it would work with shippers in the region to minimize any possible threat.
"As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners and allies in the region," said Jonathan Hoffman, an assistant to the US defense secretary.
In Iraq, pro-Iranian factions in parliament have pushed to oust American troops from Iraqi soil following Soleimani's killing. Germany and Canada announced plans to move some of their soldiers in Iraq to neighboring countries.
