Iran Launches Drone Strikes as U.S. Pressures Iraq Over Proxies

The United States Department of State and Iranian military forces are locked in a cycle of escalation across Iraq and the Strait of Hormuz following the February 28 launch of Operation Epic Fury. On May 6, 2026, Iranian air defense systems intercepted reconnaissance drones near Qeshm Island, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted drone strikes on May 5 and 6 against Kurdish opposition camps belonging to the Komala Party and the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran in northern Iraq.

U.S. officials reported that Iran and its proxies have launched over 600 attacks against American sites in Iraq since February, including targets at the Baghdad airport and U.S. embassy. In response, the U.S. government has suspended Iraq's access to U.S. dollars and offered $10 million rewards for information on militia leaders to pressure Baghdad to curb Iranian influence.

Iraq remains in a state of political and security instability. Prime minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi is attempting to form a government and improve security cooperation with the U.S. while facing internal pressure from the Popular Mobilization Forces, which the Iraqi government has authorized to use force for self-defense. This political transition follows the late election of President Nizar Amidi by the Iraqi parliament.