Trump defended the decision to target the Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah with airstrikes over the weekend, saying that attacks by the militia had led to the death of an American contractor.

„Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible,“ Trump tweeted. „In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!“