PENTAGON: IRAN MAY BE PLANNING FRESH ATTACKS

WASHINGTON U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday there were indications Iran or forces it backs may be planning more attacks, warning that the “game has changed” and it was possible the U.S. might have to take pre-emptive action to protect American lives.

“There are some indications out there that they may be planning additional attacks, that is nothing new ... we’ve seen this for two or three months now,” he told reporters. “If that happens then we will act ... we will take pre-emptive action as well to protect American forces to protect American lives.”

Iranian-backed demonstrators hurled rocks at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad during two days of protests, then withdrew on Wednesday after Washington dispatched extra troops.

President Donald Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the violence. Iran has rejected the accusation.