Erbil, Iraq

Iran's foreign minister confirmed Tuesday that his country's forces had launched ballistic missiles at targets in both Iraq and Syria, as the U.S. and Iraq condemned deadly strikes that hit close to the under-construction U.S. consulate in the northern Iraqi city of Erbil.

It was yet another manifestation of violence likely linked to the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Iran's Hamas allies. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have also been targeting commercial vessels in the strategic Red Sea shipping lanes for weeks in response to the war.

Three armed drones were shot down over Erbil's airport later Tuesday. The U.S. has forces based at the airport, part of an international coalition battling ISIS in the region. There was no immediate word on damage.

The drones were downed just hours after Iran launched at least 11 missiles targeting what it claimed was an Israeli intelligence headquarters in Erbil, the capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region, killing four civilians.

U.S. State Department Condemns Iran's Attacks in Erbil

The U.S. State Department has strongly condemned Iran's recent missile strikes in Erbil, stating that they undermine Iraq's stability. The attacks, which targeted various locations in the city, were carried out as retaliation for what Iran claims are "anti-Iran groups" in the region, including ISIS. The Iranian government cited a deadly attack in the city of Kerman as the reason behind their actions. In response to the missile strikes, the home of Kurdish businessman Peshraw Dizayi was hit, resulting in the death of Dizayi and his 1-year-old daughter. His wife and two sons were also seriously injured in the attack. Iran's Revolutionary Guards military unit has claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating that they destroyed an Israeli intelligence headquarters in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The Iranian government has accused Israel of committing "recent atrocities" and blamed them for the killing of several commanders of the Guards and the Axis of Resistance, which includes groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

"The U.S.-Iran Conflict: A Closer Look"

The recent attack on Erbil by the Iranian Guards marks the second time they have targeted the city. This attack, along with several others in the region, is part of the ongoing tit-for-tat between the United States and Iran.

Since Israel's military action against Hamas in Gaza, Iran's proxies have increased their attacks on U.S. and coalition bases in Iraq and Syria. These attacks have been particularly focused on the Erbil area.

Political analyst Hiwa Osman believes that this attack is a calculated move by Iran, done within the limits of American tolerance, but at the expense of the Kurds.

"Last night's attack has nothing to do with Israel or the Kurds, but it has everything to do with the U.S.-Iran tit-for-tat in the region," Osman explained.