Drones targeted the United States Embassy and the Al-Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad early Tuesday, marking the most intense assault on the diplomatic compound since the regional conflict began. Air defense systems intercepted multiple projectiles, though at least one drone crashed inside the embassy perimeter.
The strikes in Iraq’s capital occurred alongside attacks on regional energy infrastructure, including Iraq’s Majnoon oil field and energy facilities in the United Arab Emirates. The escalations mark the 18th day of a widening war involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
According to Reuters, at least three drones approached the US Embassy. American forces deployed C-RAM air defense systems, which can fire up to 4,500 rounds per minute, shooting down two of the inbound threats. The third drone breached the defenses and caused fires and smoke within the compound. CNN geolocated video showing C-RAM intercepting projectiles approximately 600 meters from the diplomatic facility in Baghdad’s Green Zone.
🚨 A projectile struck the US Embassy compound in Baghdad after a failed C-RAM interception, according to reports
➡️ The incident occurred at a US base in the Iraqi capital pic.twitter.com/jl3E6QGUvJ
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) March 17, 2026
Iraq’s Ministry of Interior stated a separate drone impacted the upper fence of the Al-Rasheed Hotel, causing no casualties or significant structural damage. Simultaneously, a wave of rockets targeted a US diplomatic facility near Baghdad International Airport.
Beyond the diplomatic zone, a spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of Iraq’s armed forces confirmed an attack on the Majnoon oil field in southern Iraq. In the UAE, drone strikes triggered fires at the Fujairah oil zone and the Shah gas field, forcing a temporary closure of Emirati airspace.
The bombardment is part of Operation Epic Fury, a US-led military campaign that began on February 28. As international forces conduct operations, including recent airstrikes targeting security personnel, the conflict has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz for oil transport. CNN reports the regional death toll has surpassed 2,200, including more than 1,300 in Iran and 850 in Lebanon. The US Embassy in Baghdad has now been targeted at least four times since the war started, including a direct missile strike on its helipad on March 14.