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Iran's Warning Enabled US Troops to Shelter During 2020 Missile Strike After Soleimani Killing
US drone strike killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani on January 3, 2020. Iran sent advance warning via Iraqi PM, allowing US forces to take shelter before missile attack on Iraqi bases on January 8, 2020, resulting in no US casualties.
Why It Matters
The incident marked a rare direct Iran-US military exchange, de-escalated by advance notice, highlighting communication channels amid heightened tensions and preventing broader war.
Timeline
6 Events
Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Iran
January 11, 2020
Protests break out across Iran over Flight 752 cover-up and broader grievances; security forces respond, judiciary announces arrests and special court investigation.
Iran Admits Flight Shootdown Responsibility
January 11, 2020
Iranian government admits shootdown of Flight 752 was due to human error after video evidence published.
Iran Accidentally Shoots Down Ukrainian Flight
January 8, 2020
Iranian military mistakenly shoots down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 near Tehran, killing all 176 aboard; initially denied, later admitted as human error.
Iran Launches Missile Strike on US Bases
January 8, 2020
IRGC launches 12-22 ballistic missiles at Al-Asad Airbase in Al Anbar, Iraq, and Erbil Airbase, in Operation Martyr Soleimani; no US casualties reported due to prior sheltering.
Iraqi PM Receives Iranian Warning
January 8, 2020
Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi receives message from Iran indicating response to Soleimani's killing has started or is about to start; US officials confirm advance warning, allowing troops to shelter.
US Drone Strike Kills Qasem Soleimani
January 3, 2020
US drone strike at Baghdad International Airport kills Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani, head of IRGC Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, leader of Kataib Hezbollah.