US Military Placed on High Alert over Iranian 'Threats' in Iraq

The U.S. Armed Forces have been placed on high alert in the Middle East over what Centcom has described as "credible and possibly imminent threats to U.S. forces in Iraq."

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"U.S. Central Command, in coordination with Operation Inherent Resolve, has increased the force posture level for all service members assigned to OIR in Iraq and Syria," Urban said. "As a result, OIR is now at a high level of alert as we continue to closely monitor credible and possibly imminent threats to U.S. forces in Iraq."

The threats mentioned by the U.S. Central Command were previously contradicted by the British military, who said that the Iranian forces in Syria and Iraq have shown no signs of aggression. British Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika, further said in a press briefing that the threat level by Iranian-backed groups against coalition forces in Iraq and Syria has not risen.

Prior to these claims, the U.S. admnistration alleged that Iran was behind the 'sabotage' attacks on  four oil tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Iran denied any role in these alleged attacks, adding that it is dangerous to spread such rumors. 

The Trump administration has been on the diplomatic offensive against Iran these last two weeks, accusing the Persian Gulf nation of preparing to launch attacks against the U.S. Armed Forces in the Middle East. 

To up the ante, the U.S. sent its USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to the Persian Gulf to send a message to Iran. The ship was previously in the Mediterranean to send a message to Russia.