The United States announced on Friday it will effectively close its consulate in the Iraqi city of Basra and relocate its diplomatic personnel following increasing threats from Iran and Iran-backed militias, including rocket fire.
The decision adds to mounting tension between the United States and Iran, which is the target of increasing U.S. economic sanctions.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, as he explained the move, renewed a warning that the United States would hold Iran directly responsible for any attacks on Americans and U.S. diplomatic facilities.