Hundreds of Iraqis attempted to storm the US Embassy located in Baghdad’s Green Zone on Saturday following reports of the death of Iran’s supreme leader. According to a source quoted by AFP, the attempt had so far failed, but protesters continued trying to enter the heavily fortified area. Demonstrators carried flags of Iran-aligned armed groups and threw stones at security forces, who responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Local Iraqi media also reported protests erupting in southern provinces. Several Iran-backed armed groups announced they would not remain neutral and vowed to defend the Islamic Republic. Kataib Hezbollah declared plans to attack US bases after two of its members were killed in an airstrike in southern Iraq. Additionally, explosions were reported near Erbil Airport, where US forces are stationed.

The situation reflects heightened regional tension following the reported death of Iran’s top leader and retaliatory threats from Iran-aligned militias across Iraq.