An Iraqi military spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that air traffic at Baghdad International Airport remains normal following an overnight explosion at a US-led coalition compound within the airport. The blast occurred late Tuesday night at around 11:00 PM in an area occupied by international coalition advisors.

Major General Tahseen al-Khafaji, spokesperson for Iraq’s Joint Operations Command, stated that Iraqi security forces were unable to identify the cause or type of the explosion, and no group has claimed responsibility for the incident. Despite the explosion, air traffic operations at the airport were not disrupted, and an investigation into the matter is underway.

The explosion coincided with the arrival of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Baghdad on Wednesday morning, marking his first foreign trip since taking office. Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah spokesperson Jaafar al-Hussaini claimed on social media that the explosion was intended to disrupt Pezeshkian’s visit and urged Iraqi security forces to reveal those responsible.

This incident comes amid heightened tensions between US forces and pro-Iran groups in Iraq. Over the past year, US forces in Iraq and Syria have been targeted by rocket and drone attacks carried out by Iran-affiliated groups. These groups have voiced anger over US support for Israel in its ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The explosion also follows ongoing talks between Baghdad and the US-led coalition regarding the withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq. An advisor to Iraq’s prime minister recently announced that US-led coalition forces are expected to leave Iraq completely by the end of 2025, with a phased withdrawal set to begin in the coming months. Washington has described the process as a “transition” in the coalition’s role, while around 2,500 US troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria continue to lead Operation Inherent Resolve in the fight against ISIS.

ISIS, once in control of vast areas in Iraq and Syria, was territorially defeated in 2019, but the coalition remains engaged in efforts to prevent its resurgence.