US military officials claim that Iran is secretly moving missiles across the border into Iraq in an attempt to intimated neighboring countries in the Middle East and help strengthen their power base. The report came out due to the increased US military presence in the area, with more than 14,000 extra troops sent to the Middle East since May of this year. The added military presence was in response to multiple attacks on oil refineries and US drones being shot down.
US intelligence suggests the short range ballistic missiles being stockpiled in Iraq as a result of the issues the Iraqi central government has been facing. These short range ballistic missiles have the capacity to fly 600 miles, meaning that missiles stockpiled in Baghdad could reach Jerusalem. The Iraqi’s do not support the move by Iran but they have little choice due to the protests and unrest happening within their-own country.
US military General Kenneth F McKenzie Jr stated that he does not believe that Tehran has been deterred by the increasing US presence, suggesting that Iran will continue to weaponize the surrounding Middle East for further attacks. The movement of missiles can also be seen as a message to the US that Iran is fed up with the current sanctions on their oil industry, which has been detrimental to their economy. Iran hopes to send a clear message to the US to ease out of the area, or more attacks may be in the near future.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1213464/iran-news-missiles-iraq-jerusalem-world-war-3-usa-donald-trump