Iran launched ballistic missiles at targets in Iraq and Syria, including near the under-construction U.S. consulate in Erbil, northern Iraq, leading to condemnation from the U.S. and Iraq. The Iranian strikes were claimed to be retaliation for "anti-Iran groups" in the region, including ISIS, and were linked to ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip. The U.S. State Department strongly condemned the attacks, while Iran cited the killing of its commanders and recent atrocities as justification. The strikes resulted in civilian casualties and heightened tensions in the region.
The United States strongly condemns Iran's missile attacks in Erbil, offering condolences to the families of the victims and expressing opposition to the strikes, which are seen as undermining Iraq's stability. The US expresses support for the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government in their efforts to fulfill the aspirations of the Iraqi people.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have attacked espionage centers and "gatherings of anti-Iranian terrorist groups" near Iraq's Erbil with ballistic missiles, leading to explosions near the U.S. consulate and civilian residences, resulting in two dead and five wounded civilians. The area's airport was temporarily closed, and Iran has previously targeted the region, citing it as a base for Iranian separatist groups and agents of Israel.
Nashville is close to adding Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, as its 10th Sister City, and the first in the Middle East. A group of leaders from Nashville visited Erbil in May to discuss what Nashville could offer as a Sister City. Nashville is home to over 25,000 Kurdish residents, making forming a relationship between the two cities sensible. A photography exhibition at the Historic Metro Courthouse displayed 30 photos showing the effects of the war against ISIS in Kurdistan and everyday life in Kurdistan. Metro Council members are expected to vote on a resolution that would make Erbil a Sister City at the meeting on July 6.
