Baghdad: Iraq said Wednesday it will summon the US charg© d'affaires following a deadly airstrike on the Habbaniyah base that killed seven soldiers and injured 13 others. A statement by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's office said the charg© d'affaires will be handed a strongly worded protest note that includes 'Iraq's firm and unwavering position on preserving Iraqi sovereignty and condemns the irresponsible actions that amount to a heinous crime.

According to Anadolu Agency, the statement said Baghdad reserves the right to respond using all means permitted under the United Nations Charter and would not remain silent over what it called a 'fully fledged crime' that violates international law. It warned that the attack could further undermine stability in the region and harm relations between Iraq and the United States.

The statement said the government will submit a documented complaint to the UN Security Council and other international bodies regarding the incident. The US and Israel have maintained airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing so far more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.