Now, through direct attacks and its extensive network of allied militias, Iran is actively putting U.S. forces at risk in Iraq, Syria, and beyond.
1. The Turning Point: Soleimani’s Assassination
The U.S. airstrike that killed Soleimani was seen by Iran as an open act of war. It struck not only at the heart of Iran’s military strategy, but also at the symbolic figure responsible for shaping its regional power.
In response, Iran vowed “harsh revenge.” This set the stage for a multi-phase campaign to target U.S. assets in the region — not necessarily through conventional warfare, but via asymmetrical, proxy-based, and cyber tactics.
2. Ballistic Missile Attack: The First Direct Retaliation
Just five days after Soleimani’s killing, Iran launched Operation Martyr Soleimani — a barrage of over a dozen ballistic missiles at Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq, housing U.S. troops.
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This marked the first direct Iranian missile strike on a U.S. base, a significant escalation.
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While no American soldiers were killed, over 100 suffered traumatic brain injuries, highlighting the seriousness of the attack.
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It demonstrated Iran’s precision-strike capabilities and willingness to confront the U.S. military directly.
3. Proxy Attacks on U.S. Bases and Diplomats
Iran’s broader strategy involves using its regional proxy forces to attack U.S. targets indirectly, preserving plausible deniability while exerting pressure.
Key examples:
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Iraq: Iranian-backed militias like Kata'ib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba have launched rocket and drone attacks on U.S. bases and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
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Syria: Iranian-aligned forces have attacked U.S. outposts in eastern Syria, particularly near Deir ez-Zor.
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Yemen: The Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, have threatened U.S. allies and bases near the Red Sea.
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Lebanon and Gaza: Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad have escalated hostilities against Israeli and Western-aligned interests.
These actions are part of what Iran calls its “Axis of Resistance,” a strategy of indirect warfare designed to bleed U.S. influence from the region.
4. Cyber Warfare Against U.S. Military Infrastructure
Iran’s response is not limited to physical attacks:
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Tehran has ramped up cyber attacks targeting U.S. defense systems, infrastructure, and communications.
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U.S. agencies have reported multiple Iranian cyber intrusions aimed at sabotaging logistics, base operations, and defense networks.
These actions illustrate Iran’s multi-domain approach to undermining U.S. military power.
5. Psychological and Political Warfare
Iran is also using information warfare to rally regional sentiment against the U.S.:
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Public demonstrations across Iraq and Iran have called for expulsion of American forces.
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Iranian media and allies constantly push narratives that portray the U.S. as an occupier and aggressor, fueling anti-American sentiment across the Muslim world.
This effort aims to pressure host countries (like Iraq and Syria) to cut ties with U.S. forces and limit their operational presence.
6. Risks and Global Consequences
The ongoing Iranian pressure campaign on U.S. bases carries serious risks:
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Escalation into full-scale war remains a real danger, especially if U.S. personnel are killed in large numbers.
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Regional allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE could be drawn into wider conflict.
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Increased instability threatens global oil markets, shipping lanes, and regional security.
Conclusion
After the U.S. strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani, Iran has embarked on a calculated, multi-front campaign to undermine, harass, and potentially expel U.S. forces from the Middle East. From direct missile strikes to coordinated proxy attacks, cyber warfare, and psychological operations, Iran’s message is clear: American presence in the region will come at a growing cost.
This evolving strategy keeps the Middle East on edge — with every attack carrying the risk of wider war, and every retaliation testing the fragile balance of power.