World War 3: US joins forces with Iraq to RESPOND to Iran’s ‘increasing threats’

US officials said they will close the American consulate based in the Iraqi city of Basra and relocate personnel after an mounting threats from the rogue nation.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned the US would hold Iran directly responsible for attacks on Americans and their facilities before adding Washington was working with Iraqi forces to address the “increasing and specific” threats, including rocket fire.

Mr Pompeo said: “I have made clear that Iran should understand that the United States will respond promptly and appropriately to any such attacks.

“We look to all international parties interested in peace and stability in Iraq and the region to reinforce our message to Iran regarding the unacceptability of their behaviour.”

The move follows recent rocket attacks that Mr Pompeo said were directed at the consulate in Basra, though they had not caused damage to the facility.

In a statement, the US State Department said consulate staff were placed on “ordered departure” that also involved the closure of the building.

The decision came days after US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani exchanged taunts at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

The bitter spat saw Mr Trump vowing to impose more sanctions.

He also accused Iran’s leaders of sowing “chaos, death and destruction”.

Mr Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton, warned “there will indeed be hell to pay” if Iran crosses the US, its allies or brings harm to any US citizens.

The two nations locked horns months ago in May after mR Trump withdrew the US from an international deal to curb Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for easing crippling sanctions.

Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia have all remained in the pact, however, and vowed to save it despite the restoration of US sanctions.

Iran has blamed the US for its currency’s nose dive with officials accusing Mr Trump and his administration of causing “political, psychological and economic” war.

Iran also accused the US and Israel of being involved in a deadly attack at a military parade in southwestern Iran this month that saw citizens shot dead.