Iraq

The Pentagon is calling on Iran to come to the negotiating table and abandon plans for retaliation following a deadly strike.

It's the first retaliatory action by Iran in the wake of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani's killing.

A "draft letter" suggesting a troop withdrawal was imminent circulated Monday, causing confusion.

The 173rd Airborne is the Army's rapid-response unit for Europe.

U.S. troops in Iraq will focus on force protection against expected retaliation for the killing of an Iranian general.

The attacks came as the U.S. bolsters forces in the region in response to Iranian threats.

Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani had been planning attacks on U.S. troops and diplomats, officials said.

Many argued that it may be too soon to understand the implications and the steps needed to avoid escalated conflict.

More attacks from Iranian-backed militia groups may be possible, officials said.

The Marines are assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command.