The United States has initiated a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, responding to a drone strike by militants on a U.S. military outpost in Jordan. The attack in Jordan resulted in the death of three U.S. service members and left over 40 others wounded.
President Joe Biden, who recently attended a dignified transfer for the fallen soldiers, authorized the strikes that are expected to be more substantial than previous actions against Iranian-backed militias. The administration aims to deter further attacks while avoiding a full-scale conflict with Iran, given the already volatile situation in the Middle East with the Israel-Hamas war.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the U.S. response would be “multi-tiered,” emphasizing the ability to respond as needed. The Biden administration faces pressure to halt militia attacks decisively, as Iran-backed militants have targeted U.S. military facilities in Iraq and Syria over 160 times since October.
While several Republican lawmakers advocated for direct strikes inside Iran, the administration emphasizes proportionate responses to prevent escalation. John Kirby, from the National Security Council, emphasized that the U.S. does not seek a war with Iran or a broader conflict in the Middle East.
The White House attributes the drone attack in Jordan to an umbrella group known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which includes multiple groups, including Kata’ib Hezbollah. Despite suspending military operations against U.S. forces, Kata’ib Hezbollah’s leader suggested continued attacks on U.S. targets, creating uncertainty about the militias’ intentions.
The U.S. has targeted Iranian proxies’ weapons depots in Iraq and Syria since October, but these strikes did not deter the militants, leading to the recent escalation. Iran, while claiming not to seek conflict, vows a strong response to perceived aggression.
The situation remains fluid, with the U.S. signaling potential further actions in the coming days as tensions persist in the region.
