OREANDA-NEWS. The United States is seeking permission from the Iraqi authorities to deliver Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to the country.

This was stated by US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper who noted that this weapon is necessary to shield American bases from attacks from Iran.

Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, explained at a joint briefing with Esper in the Pentagon, that negotiations with Baghdad on this issue are ongoing.

On January 8, Iran attacked with missiles the Al Asad Airbase, where American troops were stationed. The fact that the missiles launched by the Iranians managed to hit the base was explained by the absence of Patriot or THAAD anti-aircraft missile systems on it.