US warns Iran over attacks on US diplomatic missions in Iraq

The United States of America warned Iran in the back drop of life-threatening attacks taking place in Iraq, including one on the US consulate in Basra and American embassy compound in Baghdad and said that Washington DC will "respond swiftly and decisively" to any attack on American lives and facilities by Tehran's proxies.

The White House press secretary issued a statement and accused Iran of not preventing attacks in Iraq's capital city of Baghdad.

"Iran did not act to stop these attacks by its proxies in Iraq, which it has supported with funding, training, and weapons," the press secretary's statement read.

"The United States will hold the regime in Tehran accountable for any attack that results in injury to our personnel or damage to United States Government facilities. America will respond swiftly and decisively in defense of American lives," it further added.

US' warning to Iran comes three days after unknown assailants fired rockets at Iraq's Basra airport, which also houses the US consulate. However, no damage or casualties were reported.

The Iraqi city of Basra has, of late, been witnessing violent demonstrations over cases of political corruption. Apart from torching and ransacking government buildings, angry protestors also set alight the Iranian consulate.