iran's strikes happened against iran's revolutionary guard, we do have a statement from lloyd austin who has responded, saying, the president has directed additional actions to hold the eye arejuicy directed additional actions to hold the eye are juicy and affiliated militias accountable for their attacks on us and coalition forces, these will unfold at times and places of our choosing, we do not seek conflict in the middle east or elsewhere but the president and i will not tolerate attacks on american forces, we will take all actions to defend the united states, our forces and interests, actions to defend the united states, ourforces and interests, let's speak more about this. joining me live from baghdad is bbc world service correspondent nafiseh kohnavard. i understand there has been back channel communication, tell us more about what you know. yes.

channel communication, tell us more about what you know.— about what you know. yes, in the ast few about what you know. yes, in the past few days. — about what you know. yes, in the past few days, there _ about what you know. yes, in the past few days, there have - about what you know. yes, in the past few days, there have been i about what you know. yes, in the past few days, there have been a | about what you know. yes, in the i past few days, there have been a lot of messages exchanged directly and indirectly through baghdad between tehran and washington, iraqi officials told me that right after the attack on the us base injordan, iran's voice commander travelled to baghdad to send this message to washington that iran was not behind this attack and was not aware of this attack and was not aware of this attack, this is the message they insisted apparently to send through baghdad to washington, and also ask the iraqi prime minister to play a role, and as a matter of fact, after all these meetings, one of the biggest groups and closest groups to iran, which is considered

as a secretive elite force, close to iran, very anti—american, they announced they hawk their operations to us bases, they declared in their statement that iran was against all these attacks against the us bases after the beginning of the war in gaza so it seems that this back channel worked somehow, because at the beginning there was a really serious threat that americans considered to carry on some attacks inside iranians soil, it seems that has not happened, and also, despite that, they were talking about other

options, and they are thinking about retaliation against iran directly because they accuse iran of finding and helping in training this group, so far, this option is out of question right now, and to be honest it is reminding me of the time that the commander of iran's force was killed, was assassinated here in baghdad back in 2020, and i was here, analysts again the same back channel started to work, sending messages that tehran does not want to raise tensions, but they need to retaliate somehow, so they gave enough warning to us soldiers to vacate most of the basis, to go to the bunkers before iran carried out

these attacks on the al—assad base, they hit the infrastructure and drone command centres, but no one was killed, it seems the same method, although so far we don't know if these massive attacks that the us have carried out has left any casualties or not, but so far it looks like most of these places though were bombed by usjets tonight were vacated before. that though were bombed by us jets tonight were vacated before. that is a really interesting _ tonight were vacated before. that is a really interesting report _ tonight were vacated before. that is a really interesting report about - a really interesting report about these back channel communications and how that might have prevented a further escalation, what you think all of this tells us about how iran is looking at these strikes that have been selected, and any possible response to that?—

response to that? there might be a resonse, response to that? there might be a resnonse. but _ response to that? there might be a response, but any _ response to that? there might be a response, but any response - response to that? there might be a response, but any response would l response to that? there might be a l response, but any response would be again limited. both countries, so far, they have shown that they don't have an appetite to raise the tensions in this region more than what we already have witnessed. there are different sites that iran is using to put pressure on the us already, they are using sources that there are attacks through from yemenis in who these against some targets, and also israelis on ships in the sea. this year, they have been carrying out massive attacks on and off on us bases, more than 100 and off on us bases, more than 100 and 168 attacks they have carried out since the beginning of the war in gaza, so so far it seems that both countries want to keep the

tension limited to what we have seen, so far, but it really depends, if there are massive casualties or not, but as they have given warnings and the kind of timing of the attack and the kind of timing of the attack and location of the attacks, not precise location, but they were saying they would hit locations in iraq and syria, and they gave advance warnings so most of these locations, probably they were vacated, and it really depends, if there are massive casualties, if there are massive casualties, if there are massive casualties, if there are casualties there might be a response, if not, probably the tension would go down and again very limited attacks will happen against some us bases but with another advance warning from back channels. very interesting, we know the us has said the strikes could continue, this operation could continue, so we do have to see where things

head—butt really good to get your reporting there on the ground in baghdad, your contacts have said that interesting information then so thank you for that. and i want to come back to the studio. with me is barbara starr a usc annenberg center senior fellow and a veteran pentagon correspondent. barbara, take us back for a moment, this all started with the israel gaza war, but this operation started on sunday with a strike on a us site injordan, remind us what happened. that is when three us army soldiers were killed, when this iranian drone by all accounts, were killed, when this iranian drone by allaccounts, iranians were killed, when this iranian drone by all accounts, iranians fire by one of these affiliated militias, crashed into this remote base on the jordanian syrian border, this is something the president of the united states can let go unanswered, so it became very clear they would step up their response. the us has

been bobbing these targets in iraq and syria for some time, but now, with us troops being killed, it had to be stepped up, and that is what we have now seen, but 85 targets, 125 munitions, all the typical information in the us puts out there on the world stage, the key question tonight is, what is the military objective of this series of strikes, is it to obliterate the iranian—backed militias? that will be a tough road. to wipe them off the earth? talk to benjamin netanyahu about his campaign against hamas. you don'tjust bomb your way to victory, and what is victory? if you set this goal and put it out there, how will you know when you have achieved success? how will you

know when you are done? those are some of the key, unanswered questions tonight. in the statement put out by the us central command, there are a couple of very interesting clues if you will, they talked about going after irg see sponsors who facilitate these attacks, about directly going after the most militant of the iranian related forces in the region. but how do you know when you are done, when you have success? so we will see a number of strikes over the coming days, but where is it all going, and what will it mean for the balance of calculation of how iran may respond and how the us continues to go after these targets. we may respond and how the us continues to go after these targets.— to go after these targets. we have seen how complicated _ to go after these targets. we have seen how complicated that - to go after these targets. we have seen how complicated that will. to go after these targets. we have seen how complicated that will be | seen how complicated that will be with how us and uk strikes have

attacked macro sites. that with how us and uk strikes have attacked macro sites.— attacked macro sites. that is exactly right- _ attacked macro sites. that is exactly right. and _ attacked macro sites. that is exactly right. and the - attacked macro sites. that is| exactly right. and the houthis attacked macro sites. that is - exactly right. and the houthis have been using — exactly right. and the houthis have been using big ticket weapons used by a non—state actor, they have almost — by a non—state actor, they have almost state like control of yemen, but the _ almost state like control of yemen, but the fact — almost state like control of yemen, but the fact that these are being used _ but the fact that these are being used beforehand, specifically cited by president biden when those first strikes _ by president biden when those first strikes took place, and since the you 5 _ strikes took place, and since the you 5 uk — strikes took place, and since the you 5 uk strikes, they have continued to use anti—ship ballistic missiles _ continued to use anti—ship ballistic missiles so — continued to use anti—ship ballistic missiles so this point about deterrents is key because, exactly as you _ deterrents is key because, exactly as you say, — deterrents is key because, exactly as you say, what is the endgame, when _ as you say, what is the endgame, when do — as you say, what is the endgame, when do you declare your adversaries? that is hard to do when there _ adversaries? that is hard to do when there can _ adversaries? that is hard to do when there can be — adversaries? that is hard to do when there can be a lot of miscalculation in the _ there can be a lot of miscalculation in the middle east and things can slip out— in the middle east and things can slip out of— in the middle east and things can slip out of control. she talked about — slip out of control. she talked about casualties there. what has happened on the ground? we don't

know, _ happened on the ground? we don't know. it _ happened on the ground? we don't know. it is — happened on the ground? we don't know, it is notoriously difficult, trying _ know, it is notoriously difficult, trying to — know, it is notoriously difficult, trying to do work around getting information in the past where iran has this— information in the past where iran has this tight grip on the ground, supporting the assad regime but in changing _ supporting the assad regime but in changing its control in that part of syria _ changing its control in that part of syria so — changing its control in that part of syria. so we will await to see what the iranians — syria. so we will await to see what the iranians say and iran back groups— the iranians say and iran back groups but two different sources are now reporting casualties, we have syrian _ now reporting casualties, we have syrian state media talking about injuries — syrian state media talking about injuries and casualties and the syrian — injuries and casualties and the syrian observatory for human rights which _ syrian observatory for human rights which has _ syrian observatory for human rights which has a — syrian observatory for human rights which has a network of sources on the ground, — which has a network of sources on the ground, talking about fatalities, we don't know, that is not confirmed or corroborated, but that will— not confirmed or corroborated, but that will be — not confirmed or corroborated, but that will be keener because of course — that will be keener because of course the iranians have already threatened a strong response if their— threatened a strong response if their interests are hit, so we have to wait— their interests are hit, so we have to wait and — their interests are hit, so we have to wait and see, and if there are significant — to wait and see, and if there are significant casualties on the ground, _ significant casualties on the ground, again that can change the calculation. we

ground, again that can change the calculation-— calculation. we have seen this for ears calculation. we have seen this for years now — calculation. we have seen this for years now in _ calculation. we have seen this for years now in strikes _ calculation. we have seen this for years now in strikes in _ calculation. we have seen this for years now in strikes in the - calculation. we have seen this for years now in strikes in the middlej years now in strikes in the middle east. you may take out, kill, a couple of leadership personnel, but are they really going to be significant decision—makers or are there leadership only in the area they operate? are you really getting to the decision—makers in the irg sea? will you choice —— you change the calculation on the ground? and if these reports bear out and are true, most of the time, you begin to hear allegations of civilian casualties, and that of course is something the us will be concerned about, we know in these mobile targets which our people, because people can move, we know that the us has careful overhead surveillance with nosy people are on the move and it see civilians at the last minute, it see civilians at the last minute, it can do it can to avoid them, the

track record in being successful and thatis track record in being successful and that is quite mixed over the years, so this will be another key question, and it will go into some potential calculation of an iranian response, the iranians will respond if there is international pressure on them on the arab streets, so to speak, and we will see how that all pans out. speak, and we will see how that all ans out. ~ ., speak, and we will see how that all ans out. a, ,., ., ., speak, and we will see how that all ans out. a, ., ., ,, ., pans out. more important to know what was perhaps _ pans out. more important to know what was perhaps discussed - pans out. more important to know what was perhaps discussed and l pans out. more important to know| what was perhaps discussed and is back channel communications. we i want to bring back the former ambassador with us. we just heard tom and barbara both say that it is quite difficult to measure what success would look like for the us because these groups are very difficult to defeat, what are your thoughts on that? i difficult to defeat, what are your thoughts on that?— thoughts on that? i think that is exactly right- — thoughts on that? i think that is exactly right. as _ thoughts on that? i think that is exactly right. as i _ thoughts on that? i think that is exactly right. as i said - thoughts on that? i think that is exactly right. as i said earlier, i exactly right. as i said earlier, the houthis— exactly right. as i said earlier, the houthis have _ exactly right. as i said earlier, the houthis have shown- exactly right. as i said earlier, the houthis have shown over. exactly right. as i said earlier, - the houthis have shown over many years _ the houthis have shown over many years in— the houthis have shown over many years in the — the houthis have shown over many years in the conflict _ the houthis have shown over many years in the conflict with _ the houthis have shown over many years in the conflict with saudi - years in the conflict with saudi arabia — years in the conflict with saudi arabia and _ years in the conflict with saudi arabia and the _ years in the conflict with saudi arabia and the government. years in the conflict with saudi

arabia and the government of| years in the conflict with saudi - arabia and the government of yemen that they— arabia and the government of yemen that they are — arabia and the government of yemen that they are able _ arabia and the government of yemen that they are able and _ arabia and the government of yemen that they are able and willing - arabia and the government of yemen that they are able and willing to - that they are able and willing to absorb — that they are able and willing to absorb a — that they are able and willing to absorb a lot— that they are able and willing to absorb a lot of— that they are able and willing to absorb a lot of violence - that they are able and willing to absorb a lot of violence and - that they are able and willing to i absorb a lot of violence and death. again, _ absorb a lot of violence and death. again, calculations— absorb a lot of violence and death. again, calculations are _ absorb a lot of violence and death. again, calculations are different i again, calculations are different from _ again, calculations are different from those _ again, calculations are different from those who _ again, calculations are different from those who are _ again, calculations are different from those who are running - from those who are running governments _ from those who are running governments and _ from those who are running governments and states - from those who are running - governments and states responsible for keeping — governments and states responsible for keeping citizens _ governments and states responsible for keeping citizens safe, _ governments and states responsible for keeping citizens safe, so - governments and states responsible for keeping citizens safe, so it- for keeping citizens safe, so it will be — for keeping citizens safe, so it will be very— for keeping citizens safe, so it will be very difficult _ for keeping citizens safe, so it will be very difficult indeed . for keeping citizens safe, so it will be very difficult indeed to| will be very difficult indeed to measure _ will be very difficult indeed to measure what _ will be very difficult indeed to measure what success - will be very difficult indeed to measure what success looks. will be very difficult indeed to i measure what success looks like will be very difficult indeed to - measure what success looks like from the american — measure what success looks like from the american perspective _ measure what success looks like from the american perspective which - measure what success looks like from the american perspective which again| the american perspective which again .oes the american perspective which again goes back— the american perspective which again goes back to — the american perspective which again goes back to the _ the american perspective which again goes back to the utmost _ the american perspective which again goes back to the utmost need - the american perspective which again goes back to the utmost need for- the american perspective which again goes back to the utmost need for a l goes back to the utmost need for a ceasefire _ goes back to the utmost need for a ceasefire in — goes back to the utmost need for a ceasefire in the _ goes back to the utmost need for a ceasefire in the gaza _ goes back to the utmost need for a ceasefire in the gaza strip, - goes back to the utmost need for a ceasefire in the gaza strip, to- goes back to the utmost need for a ceasefire in the gaza strip, to seel ceasefire in the gaza strip, to see whether— ceasefire in the gaza strip, to see whether indeed _ ceasefire in the gaza strip, to see whether indeed that _ ceasefire in the gaza strip, to see whether indeed that stops - ceasefire in the gaza strip, to see whether indeed that stops the - whether indeed that stops the violence — whether indeed that stops the violence and _ whether indeed that stops the violence and the _ whether indeed that stops the violence and the rest - whether indeed that stops the violence and the rest of - whether indeed that stops the violence and the rest of the i whether indeed that stops the i violence and the rest of the region. can i_ violence and the rest of the region. can i get— violence and the rest of the region. can i get your— violence and the rest of the region. can i get your take _ violence and the rest of the region. can i get your take on— violence and the rest of the region. can i get your take on this? - violence and the rest of the region. can i get your take on this? we i violence and the rest of the region. can i get your take on this? we have seen from the news agency that rock condemns these strikes is a violation of its sovereignty, we heard from our correspondent on the ground in baghdad that communications were happening beforehand, tell us what you make of this. it beforehand, tell us what you make of this. ., ~ , beforehand, tell us what you make of this. ., ,, , ., beforehand, tell us what you make of this. .~ , ., ., this. it makes our bilateral relationship _ this. it makes our bilateral relationship with _ this. it makes our bilateral| relationship with iraq more difficult, _ relationship with iraq more difficult, keeping _ relationship with iraq more difficult, keeping in-

relationship with iraq more difficult, keeping in mind l relationship with iraq more i difficult, keeping in mind that irag's— difficult, keeping in mind that iraq's parliament, _ difficult, keeping in mind that iraq's parliament, i— difficult, keeping in mind that iraq's parliament, i can't i difficult, keeping in mind that - iraq's parliament, i can't remember which _ iraq's parliament, i can't remember which year. — iraq's parliament, i can't remember which year. i'm _ iraq's parliament, i can't remember which year, i'm sorry, _ iraq's parliament, i can't remember which year, i'm sorry, but _ iraq's parliament, i can't remember which year, i'm sorry, but the - iraq's parliament, i can't rememberl which year, i'm sorry, but the trump administration — which year, i'm sorry, but the trump administration voted _ which year, i'm sorry, but the trump administration voted to _ which year, i'm sorry, but the trump administration voted to ask - which year, i'm sorry, but the trump| administration voted to ask american forces _ administration voted to ask american forces to— administration voted to ask american forces to leave — administration voted to ask american forces to leave iraq, _ administration voted to ask american forces to leave iraq, and _ administration voted to ask american forces to leave iraq, and we - administration voted to ask american forces to leave iraq, and we simply. forces to leave iraq, and we simply ignore _ forces to leave iraq, and we simply ignore that — forces to leave iraq, and we simply ignore that request. _ forces to leave iraq, and we simply ignore that request. so _ forces to leave iraq, and we simply ignore that request. so it- forces to leave iraq, and we simply ignore that request. so itjust i ignore that request. so itjust makes — ignore that request. so itjust makes it— ignore that request. so itjust makes it more _ ignore that request. so itjust makes it more difficult- ignore that request. so itjust makes it more difficult for- ignore that request. so itjust i makes it more difficult for those within— makes it more difficult for those within the — makes it more difficult for those within the iraqi _ makes it more difficult for those within the iraqi leadership - makes it more difficult for those within the iraqi leadership who i makes it more difficult for those. within the iraqi leadership who do want _ within the iraqi leadership who do want us _ within the iraqi leadership who do want us to— within the iraqi leadership who do want us to stay, _ within the iraqi leadership who do want us to stay, when _ within the iraqi leadership who do want us to stay, when this - within the iraqi leadership who do| want us to stay, when this occurs. also— want us to stay, when this occurs. also keeping — want us to stay, when this occurs. also keeping in— want us to stay, when this occurs. also keeping in mind _ want us to stay, when this occurs. also keeping in mind that- want us to stay, when this occurs. also keeping in mind that irgc- also keeping in mind that irgc members _ also keeping in mind that irgc members certainly— also keeping in mind that irgc members certainly have - also keeping in mind that irgc members certainly have seen. also keeping in mind that irgc. members certainly have seen how hamass— members certainly have seen how hamas's leadership _ members certainly have seen how hamas's leadership has _ members certainly have seen how hamas's leadership has played i members certainly have seen howl hamas's leadership has played out into a _ hamas's leadership has played out into a devastating _ hamas's leadership has played out into a devastating war— hamas's leadership has played out into a devastating war with - hamas's leadership has played out into a devastating war with israel, | into a devastating war with israel, yet they— into a devastating war with israel, yet they have _ into a devastating war with israel, yet they have not _ into a devastating war with israel, yet they have not been _ into a devastating war with israel, yet they have not been able - into a devastating war with israel, yet they have not been able to i into a devastating war with israel, i yet they have not been able to find the leadership, _ yet they have not been able to find the leadership, someone - yet they have not been able to find the leadership, someone noted i the leadership, someone noted earlier— the leadership, someone noted earlier that _ the leadership, someone noted earlier that as— the leadership, someone noted earlier that as soon _ the leadership, someone noted earlier that as soon as - the leadership, someone noted earlier that as soon as the i the leadership, someone noted . earlier that as soon as the deaths of the _ earlier that as soon as the deaths of the american _ earlier that as soon as the deaths of the american soldiers - earlier that as soon as the deaths of the american soldiers were i of the american soldiers were announced _ of the american soldiers were announced people _ of the american soldiers were announced people were - of the american soldiers were i announced people were probably of the american soldiers were - announced people were probably on the move. _ announced people were probably on the move. the — announced people were probably on the move, the anticipation - announced people were probably on the move, the anticipation of- announced people were probably on the move, the anticipation of a i the move, the anticipation of a retaliatory _ the move, the anticipation of a retaliatory strike _ the move, the anticipation of a retaliatory strike was _ the move, the anticipation of a l retaliatory strike was absolutely guaranteed. _ retaliatory strike was absolutely guaranteed, so i _ retaliatory strike was absolutely guaranteed, so i don't - retaliatory strike was absolutely guaranteed, so i don't think- retaliatory strike was absolutely guaranteed, so i don't think it l retaliatory strike was absolutely. guaranteed, so i don't think it was a matter— guaranteed, so i don't think it was a matter of— guaranteed, so i don't think it was a matter of whether— guaranteed, so i don't think it was a matter of whether the _ guaranteed, so i don't think it was a matter of whether the president| a matter of whether the president did it _

a matter of whether the president did it the — a matter of whether the president did it the first, — a matter of whether the president did it the first, second _ a matter of whether the president did it the first, second or- a matter of whether the president did it the first, second or tenth i did it the first, second or tenth day, _ did it the first, second or tenth day, it— did it the first, second or tenth day, it would _ did it the first, second or tenth day, it would have _ did it the first, second or tenth day, it would have been - did it the first, second or tenth i day, it would have been anticipated that peopie — day, it would have been anticipated that people would _ day, it would have been anticipated that people would have _ day, it would have been anticipated that people would have tried - day, it would have been anticipated that people would have tried to i day, it would have been anticipated that people would have tried to get| that people would have tried to get out of _ that people would have tried to get out of the — that people would have tried to get out of the way _ that people would have tried to get out of the way-— out of the way. ambassador, thank out of the way. ambassador, thank ou for out of the way. ambassador, thank you for those _ out of the way. ambassador, thank you for those thoughts, _ out of the way. ambassador, thank you for those thoughts, standby, i | you for those thoughts, standby, i want to bring back our correspondent who is in northern iraq and has been following all of this for us, of course. if you can hear me, we were just mentioning that in iraq a military spokesman said these air strikes constitute a violation of sovereignty, posing a threat that could lead the region into dire consequences, i want to get your take on what you been seeing their and on the statement itself. this is and on the statement itself. this is a very difficult _ and on the statement itself. this is a very difficult position _ and on the statement itself. this is a very difficult position for - and on the statement itself. this is a very difficult position for the i a very difficult position for the iraqi government to bn, it hosts american troops on its soil and now american troops on its soil and now america has been carrying out attacks, not on iraqi targets, but on targets inside this country on iranians linked militias operating in iraq and with the blessing and support of the iraqi government. so

it is a fine line for the iraqi prime minister to walk. he will be facing opposition and no doubt we will hear more of this in the coming days from people like the powerful and influential cleric here, who will no doubt have objections to the strikes carried out by the americans, and don't forget there is an ongoing push here and question about how long should american troops remain on the ground in iraq, and it is certainly the long—term aim of iran and its proxies to bring the american military presence here to an end, so that question will once again be on the agenda here and it will be a difficult question for the iraqi government to answer. i know from speaking to people here today that there has been a lot of attention and concern here in iraq in the last few days, people have been expecting this retaliation, they have been counting down the days for it to happen, and wondering what it may mean for them, certainly

what it may mean for them, certainly what most is more instability in their own country, something they have been played with for years, and it is worth stressing is one of your speakers was saying there that these senior figures connected with these iranians backed militias knew this was coming, it was very clearly on the agenda, and they certainly have not been waiting in position for these strikes to happen, so undoubtedly many senior figures that the americans may have wanted to target with the strikes could have been long gone. i target with the strikes could have been long gone-— target with the strikes could have been long gone. i should mention that that statement _ been long gone. i should mention that that statement i _ been long gone. i should mention that that statement i quoted i been long gone. i should mention that that statement i quoted from been long gone. i should mention i that that statement i quoted from an iraqi military spokesman is being reported by the reuters news agency so we will see if we get any more lines on that. tom, what we have been talking about, some of the reactions in iraq in the region, it has been weighing into what the us has been weighing into what the us has been weighing up the last few days, hasn't it? {th

has been weighing up the last few days. hasn't it?— has been weighing up the last few days, hasn't it? of course. this was alwa s days, hasn't it? of course. this was always about... _ days, hasn't it? of course. this was always about... i— days, hasn't it? of course. this was always about... i feel— days, hasn't it? of course. this was always about... i feel like _ days, hasn't it? of course. this was always about... i feel like i - days, hasn't it? of course. this was always about... i feel like i am i always about... i feel like i am repeating _ always about... i feel like i am repeating myself because the story has not _ repeating myself because the story has not shifted in the sense that ever— has not shifted in the sense that ever since — has not shifted in the sense that ever since the start of the war in gaza. _ ever since the start of the war in gaza. we — ever since the start of the war in gaza, we have heard repeatedly that the us— gaza, we have heard repeatedly that the us has _ gaza, we have heard repeatedly that the us has been trying to avoid an escalation— the us has been trying to avoid an escalation in the region, to contain the fighting in gaza, and of course it is trying — the fighting in gaza, and of course it is trying to do that, but there is another— it is trying to do that, but there is another side to all of that, and it is the _ is another side to all of that, and it is the overarching diplomatic position— it is the overarching diplomatic position of the us, which is to provide — position of the us, which is to provide political and diplomatic protection to israel while it carries— protection to israel while it carries out and continues its campaign _ carries out and continues its campaign in gaza, and as the civilian— campaign in gaza, and as the civilian death toll has escalated, the number of civilians killed by the number of civilians killed by the israelis, that has created an up swell— the israelis, that has created an up swell of— the israelis, that has created an up swell of anger and resentment and outrage _ swell of anger and resentment and outrage in — swell of anger and resentment and outrage in the arab and muslim world, so you have had these iran backed _ world, so you have had these iran backed groups that have been able to exploit _ backed groups that have been able to exploit the situation to strike at

israei's — exploit the situation to strike at israel's key ally in the region, the us forces— israel's key ally in the region, the us forces in— israel's key ally in the region, the us forces in basis, it was already doing _ us forces in basis, it was already doing it. — us forces in basis, it was already doing it, but to ramp it up, because they know— doing it, but to ramp it up, because they know fundamentally that creates a situation _ they know fundamentally that creates a situation where the us puts more pressure _ a situation where the us puts more pressure on — a situation where the us puts more pressure on israel to rein it in and to accept— pressure on israel to rein it in and to accept a — pressure on israel to rein it in and to accept a deal and to do a deal, and that— to accept a deal and to do a deal, and that is— to accept a deal and to do a deal, and that is why in the end it is only— and that is why in the end it is only a — and that is why in the end it is only a ceasefire for hostage release deal in _ only a ceasefire for hostage release deal in the — only a ceasefire for hostage release deal in the gaza strip, that will release — deal in the gaza strip, that will release all of this tension forjoe biden. it — release all of this tension forjoe biden. it is — release all of this tension forjoe biden, it is really the only way out for him. _ biden, it is really the only way out for him. it— biden, it is really the only way out for him, it will not be through military— for him, it will not be through military action which contains all this risk— military action which contains all this risk and calculation of a further— this risk and calculation of a further escalation, exactly the thing — further escalation, exactly the thing the us does not want, that is why antony— thing the us does not want, that is why antony blinken will be in the region— why antony blinken will be in the region ail— why antony blinken will be in the region all of next week, they desperately need to push this deal forward _ desperately need to push this deal forward. �* . desperately need to push this deal forward. . , ., . , ., forward. and 'ust to catch up our viewers who — forward. and just to catch up our viewers who might _ forward. and just to catch up our viewers who might be _ forward. and just to catch up our viewers who might be joining i forward. and just to catch up ourj viewers who might be joining us, viewers who might bejoining us, newsjust broke in viewers who might bejoining us, news just broke in the past hour or so, you are starting these air strikes in syria and iraq, central command releasing a statement and

also a statement from president biden saying a response began today, it will continue in places of our choosing and the us does not seek a conflict in the middle east or anywhere else in the world, what we are seeing is 85 targets including command and intelligence centres. barbara, we also sawjust today command and intelligence centres. barbara, we also saw just today the president taking part in the dignified transfer ceremony of the three us service members who were returned to the us after of course they were killed as we were discussing on sunday, talk to us about the timing of carrying out the strikes today. i about the timing of carrying out the strikes today-— strikes today. i don't know for sure, i strikes today. i don't know for sure. i don't— strikes today. i don't know for sure, i don't think _ strikes today. i don't know for sure, i don't think any - strikes today. i don't know for sure, i don't think any of i strikes today. i don't know for i sure, i don't think any of us know, because so many things go into the actual timing of strikes, but clearly it was better to have the dignified return of the three and then do the air strikes, you don't want those going on while the sombre ceremony is happening. but getting

back to the point of where it all goes from here, and that is still front and centre, they can't have anything they don't want, desperately don't want anything to interfere with any kind of release of hostages agreement with hamas. so thatis of hostages agreement with hamas. so that is a big priority on the table, big priority not to have any additional attacks, kill big priority not to have any additionalattacks, killamerican forces or even allied forces. that will be a big issue. but what you still have regardless is iran across the region supplying increasingly advanced conventional weapons to an increasing number of groups in yemen, the houthis, these militias in iraq and syria, i don't think there is this latest indication

regardless that iran will pull back on supplying those weapons. in the training and ability for these groups to use them. but the real calculation for the white house may be to make sure that iran does not escalate the conventional wisdom, iran is not looking for war with the united states, but how much command and control, how much does central tehran really control these militias, and what if they decide, they know where us troops are in the region and they know where their weapons can hit? the central iran government may not have full control over these militias all the time, so there are still a lot of unknowns air. i there are still a lot of unknowns air. ., ., , . ,, ., ., air. i want to bring back our world service correspondent _ air. i want to bring back our world service correspondent who - air. i want to bring back our world service correspondent who has i air. i want to bring back our world i service correspondent who has been standing by for us in baghdad. we have been seeing some reactions coming through on the agencies but perhaps you can tell us more about

how the government there has been reacting to the strikes? just moments — reacting to the strikes? just moments ago, _ reacting to the strikes? just moments ago, the - reacting to the strikes? just moments ago, the spokesperson of the prime _ moments ago, the spokesperson of the prime minister— moments ago, the spokesperson of the prime minister released _ moments ago, the spokesperson of the prime minister released a _ moments ago, the spokesperson of the prime minister released a statement. prime minister released a statement saying _ prime minister released a statement saying that _ prime minister released a statement saying that the — prime minister released a statement saying that the attack _ prime minister released a statement saying that the attack that _ prime minister released a statement saying that the attack that happened on the _ saying that the attack that happened on the border, — saying that the attack that happened on the border, and _ saying that the attack that happened on the border, and its _ saying that the attack that happened on the border, and its violation - saying that the attack that happened on the border, and its violation of i on the border, and its violation of its sovereignty, _ on the border, and its violation of its sovereignty, a _ on the border, and its violation of its sovereignty, a spokesperson. on the border, and its violation of. its sovereignty, a spokesperson for the prime — its sovereignty, a spokesperson for the prime minister— its sovereignty, a spokesperson for the prime minister and _ its sovereignty, a spokesperson for the prime minister and adviser- its sovereignty, a spokesperson for the prime minister and adviser to l the prime minister and adviser to him, _ the prime minister and adviser to him. he _ the prime minister and adviser to him. he had _ the prime minister and adviser to him, he had confirmed _ the prime minister and adviser to him, he had confirmed to- the prime minister and adviser to him, he had confirmed to me - the prime minister and adviser to. him, he had confirmed to me that, despite _ him, he had confirmed to me that, despite the — him, he had confirmed to me that, despite the prime _ him, he had confirmed to me that, despite the prime minister- him, he had confirmed to me that, despite the prime minister was - despite the prime minister was trying — despite the prime minister was trying so — despite the prime minister was trying so hard _ despite the prime minister was trying so hard to— despite the prime minister was trying so hard to bring - despite the prime minister was trying so hard to bring the - despite the prime minister was i trying so hard to bring the tension down _ trying so hard to bring the tension down between _ trying so hard to bring the tension down between tehran _ trying so hard to bring the tension down between tehran and - trying so hard to bring the tension- down between tehran and washington, he also _ down between tehran and washington, he also mentioned _ down between tehran and washington, he also mentioned to _ down between tehran and washington, he also mentioned to americans - down between tehran and washington, he also mentioned to americans that l he also mentioned to americans that they should — he also mentioned to americans that they should not — he also mentioned to americans that they should not carry— he also mentioned to americans that they should not carry out _ he also mentioned to americans that they should not carry out any- they should not carry out any attacks — they should not carry out any attacks in _ they should not carry out any attacks in iraqi _ they should not carry out any attacks in iraqi soil— they should not carry out any attacks in iraqi soil because i they should not carry out any. attacks in iraqi soil because the

attack— attacks in iraqi soil because the attack that— attacks in iraqi soil because the attack that had _ attacks in iraqi soil because the attack that had happened - attacks in iraqi soil because the i attack that had happened against americahs— attack that had happened against americans irr— attack that had happened against americans injordan _ attack that had happened against americans in jordan actually - attack that had happened against americans in jordan actually was | americans in jordan actually was carried _ americans in jordan actually was carried out— americans in jordan actually was carried out from _ americans in jordan actually was carried out from inside _ americans in jordan actually was carried out from inside syria, - americans in jordan actually was carried out from inside syria, so| americans in jordan actually was i carried out from inside syria, so he had sent— carried out from inside syria, so he had sent messages— carried out from inside syria, so he had sent messages to _ carried out from inside syria, so he had sent messages to americans. i carried out from inside syria, so he i had sent messages to americans. but this adviser _ had sent messages to americans. but this adviser told _ had sent messages to americans. but this adviser told me _ had sent messages to americans. but this adviser told me that _ had sent messages to americans. but this adviser told me that in _ this adviser told me that in response _ this adviser told me that in response america - this adviser told me that in response america had - this adviser told me that in response america had told | this adviser told me that in - response america had told them this adviser told me that in _ response america had told them that, among _ response america had told them that, among all— response america had told them that, among all the — response america had told them that, among all the options— response america had told them that, among all the options they _ response america had told them that, among all the options they are - among all the options they are considering. _ among all the options they are considering, still— among all the options they are considering, still attacking - among all the options they are l considering, still attacking some locations— considering, still attacking some locations inside _ considering, still attacking some locations inside iraqi _ considering, still attacking some locations inside iraqi territory, . considering, still attacking some locations inside iraqi territory, iti locations inside iraqi territory, it looks— locations inside iraqi territory, it looks better— locations inside iraqi territory, it looks better than _ locations inside iraqi territory, it looks better than other- locations inside iraqi territory, it looks better than other options. locations inside iraqi territory, it. looks better than other options that they have. — looks better than other options that they have, so — looks better than other options that they have, so it— looks better than other options that they have, so it seems— looks better than other options that they have, so it seems like - looks better than other options that they have, so it seems like the - they have, so it seems like the costs _ they have, so it seems like the costs were _ they have, so it seems like the costs were lower— they have, so it seems like the costs were lower than - they have, so it seems like the - costs were lower than attacking any locations _ costs were lower than attacking any locations inside _ costs were lower than attacking any locations inside iran _ costs were lower than attacking any locations inside iran which - costs were lower than attacking any locations inside iran which it- costs were lower than attacking any locations inside iran which it seems| locations inside iran which it seems that the us — locations inside iran which it seems that the us avoided _ locations inside iran which it seems that the us avoided to _ locations inside iran which it seems that the us avoided to do _ locations inside iran which it seems that the us avoided to do well- locations inside iran which it seems that the us avoided to do well at i that the us avoided to do well at the beginning _ that the us avoided to do well at the beginning everyone - that the us avoided to do well at the beginning everyone was - the beginning everyone was speculating _ the beginning everyone was speculating that _ the beginning everyone was speculating that this - the beginning everyone was speculating that this time . the beginning everyone was i speculating that this time the the beginning everyone was - speculating that this time the us, especially— speculating that this time the us, especially mr— speculating that this time the us, especially mr biden, _ speculating that this time the us, especially mr biden, decided - speculating that this time the us, especially mr biden, decided to l especially mr biden, decided to carry— especially mr biden, decided to carry out, — especially mr biden, decided to carry out, even _ especially mr biden, decided to carry out, even though - especially mr biden, decided to carry out, even though a - especially mr biden, decided to| carry out, even though a limited attack— carry out, even though a limited attack against _ carry out, even though a limited attack against some _ carry out, even though a limited attack against some positions i carry out, even though a limited - attack against some positions inside

iranian— attack against some positions inside iranian soil, — attack against some positions inside iranian soil, but _ attack against some positions inside iranian soil, but again the _ attack against some positions inside iranian soil, but again the attack- iranian soil, but again the attack happened — iranian soil, but again the attack happened inside _ iranian soil, but again the attack happened inside iraqi _ iranian soil, but again the attack happened inside iraqi soil- iranian soil, but again the attack happened inside iraqi soil and i iranian soil, but again the attack. happened inside iraqi soil and also syria. _ happened inside iraqi soil and also syria. but— happened inside iraqi soil and also syria. but for— happened inside iraqi soil and also syria, but for baghdad _ happened inside iraqi soil and also syria, but for baghdad it _ happened inside iraqi soil and also syria, but for baghdad it is- happened inside iraqi soil and also syria, but for baghdad it is very i syria, but for baghdad it is very difficult — syria, but for baghdad it is very difficult because _ syria, but for baghdad it is very difficult because baghdad - syria, but for baghdad it is very difficult because baghdad has l syria, but for baghdad it is very difficult because baghdad has at difficult because baghdad has a close _ difficult because baghdad has a close relationship— difficult because baghdad has a close relationship with - difficult because baghdad has a close relationship with the - difficult because baghdad has a . close relationship with the us, its military— close relationship with the us, its military is— close relationship with the us, its military is trained _ close relationship with the us, its military is trained by— close relationship with the us, its military is trained by the - close relationship with the us, its military is trained by the us - military is trained by the us military. _ military is trained by the us military, and _ military is trained by the us military, and they _ military is trained by the us military, and they have - military is trained by the us military, and they have a i military is trained by the us - military, and they have a coalition based _ military, and they have a coalition based here — military, and they have a coalition based here behind _ military, and they have a coalition based here behind me _ military, and they have a coalition based here behind me in- military, and they have a coalition based here behind me in the - military, and they have a coalitioni based here behind me in the base, and they— based here behind me in the base, and they are — based here behind me in the base, and theyare in— based here behind me in the base, and they are in collaboration - and they are in collaboration against _ and they are in collaboration against isis, _ and they are in collaboration against isis, so— and they are in collaboration against isis, so each- and they are in collaboration against isis, so each time i and they are in collaboration i against isis, so each time that and they are in collaboration - against isis, so each time that the us is— against isis, so each time that the us is carrying _ against isis, so each time that the us is carrying out— against isis, so each time that the us is carrying out attacks - against isis, so each time that the us is carrying out attacks againstl us is carrying out attacks against any position _ us is carrying out attacks against any position inside _ us is carrying out attacks against any position inside iraq, - us is carrying out attacks against�* any position inside iraq, baghdad sends— any position inside iraq, baghdad sends a _ any position inside iraq, baghdad sends a message _ any position inside iraq, baghdad sends a message that _ any position inside iraq, baghdad sends a message that this - any position inside iraq, baghdad sends a message that this is - any position inside iraq, baghdad sends a message that this is a i sends a message that this is a violation — sends a message that this is a violation of _ sends a message that this is a violation of sovereignty- sends a message that this is a violation of sovereignty so - sends a message that this is a violation of sovereignty so it l sends a message that this is a - violation of sovereignty so it shows what a _ violation of sovereignty so it shows what a difficult _ violation of sovereignty so it shows what a difficult position _ violation of sovereignty so it shows what a difficult position that - what a difficult position that baghdad is, _ what a difficult position that baghdad is, squeezed - what a difficult position that. baghdad is, squeezed between what a difficult position that _ baghdad is, squeezed between baghdad and washington — baghdad is, squeezed between baghdad and washington. find _ baghdad is, squeezed between baghdad and washington-— and washington. and what about these militia grapps. — and washington. and what about these militia groups, could _ and washington. and what about these militia groups, could we _ and washington. and what about these militia groups, could we see _ and washington. and what about these militia groups, could we see a - militia groups, could we see a possible response from them? we don't know yet what exactly has been hit and destroyed on the ground.

exactly, we should wait and see if there _ exactly, we should wait and see if there are — exactly, we should wait and see if there are any— exactly, we should wait and see if there are any casualties _ exactly, we should wait and see if there are any casualties because i there are any casualties because most _ there are any casualties because most of— there are any casualties because most of these _ there are any casualties because most of these bases, _ there are any casualties because most of these bases, it - there are any casualties because most of these bases, it can - there are any casualties because most of these bases, it can be . most of these bases, it can be expected — most of these bases, it can be expected that _ most of these bases, it can be expected that there _ most of these bases, it can be expected that there have - most of these bases, it can be�* expected that there have been most of these bases, it can be - expected that there have been enough warnings _ expected that there have been enough warnings in _ expected that there have been enough warnings in advance, _ expected that there have been enough warnings in advance, lots _ expected that there have been enough warnings in advance, lots of _ expected that there have been enough warnings in advance, lots of lead - warnings in advance, lots of lead kings _ warnings in advance, lots of lead kings through _ warnings in advance, lots of lead kings through us _ warnings in advance, lots of lead kings through us officials and . kings through us officials and media, — kings through us officials and media, saying _ kings through us officials and media, saying the _ kings through us officials and media, saying the timing - kings through us officials and media, saying the timing of. kings through us officials and l media, saying the timing of the attack, — media, saying the timing of the attack, the _ media, saying the timing of the attack, the possible _ media, saying the timing of the attack, the possible locations . media, saying the timing of the| attack, the possible locations of the attack, _ attack, the possible locations of the attack, positions _ attack, the possible locations of the attack, positions might- attack, the possible locations of the attack, positions might be l the attack, positions might be targeted. _ the attack, positions might be targeted. so— the attack, positions might be targeted, so it— the attack, positions might be targeted, so it is— the attack, positions might be| targeted, so it is expected that most _ targeted, so it is expected that most of— targeted, so it is expected that most of these _ targeted, so it is expected that most of these positions - targeted, so it is expected that- most of these positions were already evacuated, _ most of these positions were already evacuated, but— most of these positions were already evacuated, but what _ most of these positions were already evacuated, but what they _ most of these positions were already evacuated, but what they would - most of these positions were already evacuated, but what they would do l evacuated, but what they would do after this, — evacuated, but what they would do after this, they _ evacuated, but what they would do after this, they will _ evacuated, but what they would do after this, they will stop _ after this, they will stop their attacks, — after this, they will stop their attacks, they— after this, they will stop their attacks, they already- after this, they will stop their. attacks, they already released a statement — attacks, they already released a statement yesterday, _ attacks, they already released a statement yesterday, saying - attacks, they already released a i statement yesterday, saying that despite _ statement yesterday, saying that despite the — statement yesterday, saying that

despite the other— statement yesterday, saying that despite the other partner- statement yesterday, saying that despite the other partner militial despite the other partner militia group, — despite the other partner militia group. his— despite the other partner militia group, his brother— despite the other partner militia group, his brother haunted - despite the other partner militia group, his brother haunted its l despite the other partner militia. group, his brother haunted its us bases _ group, his brother haunted its us bases against _ group, his brother haunted its us bases against iraq _ group, his brother haunted its us bases against iraq and _ group, his brother haunted its us bases against iraq and syria, - group, his brother haunted its us| bases against iraq and syria, they will continue _ bases against iraq and syria, they will continue their— bases against iraq and syria, they will continue their attack- bases against iraq and syria, they will continue their attack until - will continue their attack until americans— will continue their attack until americans leave _ will continue their attack until americans leave iraq - will continue their attack until americans leave iraq and - will continue their attack until americans leave iraq and also will continue their attack until - americans leave iraq and also the war in— americans leave iraq and also the war in gaza — americans leave iraq and also the war in gaza stops. _ americans leave iraq and also the war in gaza stops, so _ americans leave iraq and also the war in gaza stops, so we - americans leave iraq and also the war in gaza stops, so we can- americans leave iraq and also the . war in gaza stops, so we can expect that attacks _ war in gaza stops, so we can expect that attacks will _ war in gaza stops, so we can expect that attacks will continue, _ war in gaza stops, so we can expect that attacks will continue, and - war in gaza stops, so we can expect that attacks will continue, and alsol that attacks will continue, and also this shows — that attacks will continue, and also this shows that _ that attacks will continue, and also this shows that there _ that attacks will continue, and also this shows that there are _ this shows that there are disagreements— this shows that there are disagreements in- this shows that there are disagreements in these i this shows that there are - disagreements in these groups this shows that there are _ disagreements in these groups and raise questions— disagreements in these groups and raise questions about _ disagreements in these groups and raise questions about how- disagreements in these groups and raise questions about how much i raise questions about how much tehran— raise questions about how much tehran has— raise questions about how much tehran has a _ raise questions about how much tehran has a direct _ raise questions about how much tehran has a direct effect - raise questions about how much tehran has a direct effect or- raise questions about how much . tehran has a direct effect or power on them _ tehran has a direct effect or power on them. . , tehran has a direct effect or power on them. ., , , on them. really interesting reporting — on them. really interesting reporting there _ on them. really interesting reporting there again, - on them. really interesting - reporting there again, reporting there directly from the ground there in baghdad, very good to have that information, thank you so much, as we have been looking at this breaking news this hour. let's continue taking a look at what

the story is. the statements you are seeing across the screen of course that statement from presidentjoe biden. our response begin today. it will continue at times and places of our choosing. echoing the statement we saw from the defence secretary, a little bit earlier on the strikes. let's recap our breaking news. us military officials confirming that a 4pm eastern time, two hours ago, us forces started air strikes against iranian backed targets in iraq and syria. they hit 85 targets in total. white house national security spokesmanjohn kirby white house national security spokesman john kirby also white house national security spokesmanjohn kirby also added that three facilities were hit in iraq. for in syria. president biden issued a statement here we see it again. this afternoon, at my direction, us military forces struck targets at facilities in iraq and syria that marker to an affiliated militia used to attack us forces. our response began today. we will continue at times and places of our choosing. the united states not seek conflict in the middle east or anywhere else

in the middle east or anywhere else in the middle east or anywhere else in the world. a tip all those who might seek to do us harm know this. if you harm an american we will respond. these sharks are in retaliation for veteran attack that killed three us soldiers and injured dozens. iranian to lying involvement calling accusations bracelets. reuters reporting that an iraqi spokesman has called the strikes a violation of iraqi sovereignty saying they pose a threat that could lead iraq and the region into dire consequences. live now to orla guerin, our senior international correspondent who's in northern iraq. good to see you again and we have been hearing some reaction from our correspondent there in baghdad as well. a tell us what you have been hearing in the region, the latest you are hearing and seeing. there has been a _ you are hearing and seeing. there has been a great _ you are hearing and seeing. there has been a great deal _ you are hearing and seeing. there has been a great deal of - you are hearing and seeing. there has been a great deal of tension l has been a great deal of tension over the last few days, increasing tension here in northern iraq

because people have known this