In a recent press conference, White House National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, issued an apology for falsely stating that Iraqi officials were notified before a series of coordinated air strikes. Kirby initially claimed that the bombing of targets related to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps inside Iraqi borders was communicated to national leaders beforehand. However, State Department deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel, confirmed that this claim was not accurate and that Iraqi leaders were informed only after the strikes had taken place.

During the press conference, Patel clarified that "Iraq, like every country in the region, understood that there would be a response after the deaths of our soldiers. As for this specific response on Friday, there was not a pre-notification." Patel further added, "We informed the Iraqis immediately after the strikes occurred."

Kirby released a statement on the same day, admitting the confusion and attributing it to the information he had been provided at the time. He acknowledged the error and expressed regret for any confusion caused by his false claim. He emphasized that there was no ill intent or deliberate deception. Kirby took full responsibility for the mistake, stating that he deeply regrets it.

The air strikes were carried out in response to the deaths of three U.S. service members in a drone strike on a U.S. base in Jordan on January 28. Dozens more were injured in the attack. The White House clarified that the United States is "not looking for a war with Iran" and that the retaliatory strikes were meant to "deescalate" tensions and halt the attacks on U.S. troops in the region. The strikes took place in Syria and Iraq.

Furthermore, a drone attack on Sunday evening targeted a military base in eastern Syria, where U.S. troops are stationed. At least six allied Kurdish soldiers were reported dead as a result of this attack. Militia fighters have been carrying out assaults on U.S. forces and civilian targets since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October.

The accurate communication and notification about military actions in the region remain crucial in order to prevent further confusion and ensure effective cooperation between countries involved. The White House's apology for the inaccurate notification claim demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability in its actions.