re: #211 Justanotherhuman

Speaking of Iran,we’ve got this story from The Hill:

US reportedly mulling airstrikes in Tikrit

Washington is reportedly considering launching airstrikes to support Iraqi forces and Iran-backed Shiite militia battling the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Tikrit — a move that could bring the U.S. closer to cooperation with Iran.

The potential airstrikes are “being discussed at a high level” and could be only days or weeks away, a U.S. official told Agence France-Presse.

The statement comes after the Pentagon confirmed Monday that the U.S. has begun been providing intelligence for Iraqi forces in Tikrit for “several days” — the first public confirmation of U.S. involvement in the battle that’s been supported by Shiite militia with backing from Iran.

The intelligence is being gathered by drones, and then provided to Iraqi forces, said Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren. He said Iraq requested the intelligence support, and that he was confident it was not being shared directly with Iran.

The BBC has also confirmed US drone recon over Tikrit.