U.S. closes consulate in southern Iraq after attacks

WASHINGTON — The State Department said Friday that it would temporarily close the U.S. Consulate in the southern Iraqi city of Basra following a rocket attack earlier this month blamed on Iranian-backed militias.

Diplomatic staff and their families were being evacuated, the State Department said.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called it a “temporary relocation” in response to what he called “increasing and specific threats” from the Iranian government. He warned that the U.S. would respond to any more attacks.

“I have advised the Government of Iran that the United States will hold Iran directly responsible for any harm to Americans or to our diplomatic facilities ... whether perpetrated by Iranian forces directly or by associated proxy militias,” Pompeo said in a statement.