Iranian drones strike northern Iraq; explosions rock Erbil near US Consulate

Several explosions were reported in the northern Iraqi city of Erbil early on Tuesday after Iranian drones allegedly targeted multiple locations across the region, according to local media and police sources.

Citing police officials, Al Jazeera reported that at least four Iranian drones struck locations in the Khalifan and Soran areas, northeast of Erbil. The attacks triggered large fires in and around the targeted sites, while two drones reportedly crashed near their intended targets.

At least seven explosions were heard across Erbil, including in areas close to the US Consulate, Iraqi local media reported.

Following the suspected drone strikes, police sources told Al Jazeera that more than 10 US warplanes and drones were seen operating over Erbil.

Meanwhile, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, citing Iraqi sources, claimed that an American drone had been destroyed in Iraq's Al Anbar province. Local media also published images purportedly showing the wreckage of a US drone near the Haditha Dam.

The attacks coincided with broader military activity across northern and western Iraq. IRIB also reported that the Khor Mor gas field in Sulaymaniyah had come under attack.

The escalation comes a day after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington was prepared to resume "very strong military action" against Iran if ongoing diplomatic efforts failed. However, he said planned US strikes had been paused to give negotiations another opportunity, according to Axios.

The report said the current talks are focused on securing a new agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and revive discussions on a broader nuclear deal with Iran.

Negotiations are reportedly being led by Iran and Oman, with Qatar, Pakistan and Egypt also involved. Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Senior Adviser Jared Kushner are said to be playing active roles in the diplomatic efforts.

Speaking to Axios, Trump said diplomacy remained the preferred option but warned that military action remained on the table if talks broke down.

"We are in very deep talks with Iran. If they don't work out, we will go back to very strong military action," Trump said.

When asked how long he was willing to allow negotiations to continue, he replied: "Not much time. Either it goes fast or not at all."

According to Axios, Trump decided to suspend planned US strikes after mediating countries and several regional governments urged Washington to allow diplomacy another chance.