Iranian F-5 Attack on US Delta Force Base in Northern Iraq

On 10 Esfand (late February 2024), pilots of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force flew F‑5 fighter jets from bases in northern Iraq, penetrating layered air‑defence and C‑RAM systems to strike a US Delta Force installation. The base, described as a hub for American special‑operations forces, ground support units and helicopter assets, was targeted as part of a retaliatory operation following what Iranian officials called a US‑Israeli aggression against Iran.

At the same time, U.S. officials reported that the American government was preparing a new set of military options against Iran, including the possibility of a two‑week intensive bombing campaign against Iranian missile sites and command‑and‑control facilities. The planning, attributed to the Trump administration, involved coordination with senior military commanders and discussions about potential Israeli involvement. These developments heighten the risk of a broader escalation between Tehran and Washington.