In a major retaliation attack for the US drone strike on Iranian commander general Qasem Soleimani, whose killing has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East, Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to Iranian media, at least 80 “American terrorists” were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles Tehran launched on US targets in Iraq. It also said US helicopters and military equipment were ‘severely damaged’.

Confirming the news, the Pentagon said it was still “working on initial battle damage assessments” after “Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq.”

“It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Ain al-Asad and Arbil”, the Pentagon said.
As tensions between US and Iran escalate, and chances of the 3rd world war seem becoming a reality, here’s how other countries are reacting to the developments:

Iraq
Iraq confirmed that there were no Iraqi casualties on Wednesday’s missile attack by Iran. “Iraq was subjected between 1:45 and 2:45 this morning of 8 January 2020 to bombardment by 22 missiles; 17 missiles fell on Ain al-Asad air base including two that did not explode … and five on the city of Erbil that all fell on coalition headquarters. No casualties among Iraqi forces were recorded,” the statement said.

Pakistan
Pakistan has issued a statement advising citizens planning to visit Iraq to exercise “maximum caution”. Those already in Iraq are advised to remain in close contact with the Embassy of Pakistan in Baghdad.

India
India has advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notice. Those already in the country have been told to be alert and avoid travelling around the country.

Japan
Japan has urged governments to do their best to help ease tensions following the missile strikes. “Japan will also urge all related nations to do their utmost diplomatic effort to improve the relations,” Japanese Chief Cabinet Spokesman Yoshihide Suga said.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to call off a visit this weekend to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman. Japan is also sending a warship to the Gulf to help safeguard Japanese vessels and oil tankers travelling through the area.

Australia
Following the attacks, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said discussed the situation between the US and Iran with Trump during a call about the bushfires raging in Australia. He also said all his country’s troops and diplomatic staff in Iraq were safe.

The Philippines
The Philippines has ordered its citizens to leave Iraq in the wake of the strikes by Iran.

New Zealand
New Zealand’s acting prime minister, Winston Peters, expressed concern over the escalation in hostilities between Iran and the US. “Now is the time for restraint and de-escalation, and for diplomacy to take over….the government has been informed that all New Zealand personnel are as safe as they can be in these developing circumstances,” Peters said.