It was the second rocket attack near the US embassy since June 8 while other attacks have targeted Baghdad airport, where US troops are stationed, and a base north of the capital. Tensions between Washington and Tehran reached boiling point in January when the US killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis in a drone strike in Baghdad. Since then, Iraq has a new, US-friendly prime minister and there had been a lull in rocket attacks in recent months. The resumption of attacks after weeks of calm coincides with the launch on June 11 of a strategic dialogue between Washington and Baghdad that aims to better define their military, economic and cultural relationship, although experts do not expect great results. As part of the talks, Washington has already pledged to continue reducing in-country troop levels, which numbered about 5,200 last year. In response to the US drone attack, Baghdad’s parliament voted to expel all foreign soldiers from Iraqi territory, but the decision was never implemented.