The United States is anticipated to respond forcefully to the drone attack in Jordan that resulted in casualties among U.S. service members on Sunday. Officials, while refraining from divulging specific plans, suggest that the retaliation could surpass previous actions in Iraq and Syria. President Joe Biden is under pressure from Republicans to deliver a strong response and set a deterrent against future attacks. The challenge for the Biden administration lies in addressing the drone strike, the deadliest incident since the Afghanistan withdrawal, without escalating into a full-fledged war.
Iran-backed militants have targeted U.S. military facilities more than 160 times since October, leading some Republican lawmakers to advocate for direct strikes within Iran. The Biden administration, however, expresses a reluctance to escalate into a war with Iran. The deaths of U.S. service members have crossed a red line, prompting expectations of a robust response, potentially extending beyond a single country or day.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledges the heightened danger in the Middle East, describing the situation as one of the most precarious since at least 1973. The U.S. response is envisioned to be multi-leveled, staged, and sustained over time. Possible options include strikes on militant groups in Iraq or Syria, targeting their leadership, or employing offensive cyber attacks.
Despite holding Iran responsible for supporting proxy groups, there is no explicit indication that Iran directed the recent deadly attack. The U.S. emphasizes a desire for de-escalation and avoiding a broader conflict in the Middle East. The attack, resembling previous ones, differed only in its success in hitting a housing container at the U.S. base. The U.S. remains cautious not to disclose specific details about the drone’s origin or the militants involved.
Iran’s extensive investment in regional proxies, collectively known as the “axis of resistance,” has allowed Tehran to exert influence in the Middle East. The recent attack has raised concerns about the effectiveness of proportional and limited retaliatory strikes, as they might be perceived as weak by Iran and its proxies. Iran has capitalized on anti-U.S. sentiment in the region and strengthened ties with Russia and China.
In summary, the U.S. is poised to respond decisively to the drone attack in Jordan, with considerations for de-escalation and preventing a wider conflict in the Middle East. The challenge lies in crafting a response that deters further attacks without escalating tensions into a full-scale war.
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