In a recent development, the United States has attributed a drone attack that killed three U.S. service members in Jordan to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a group of Iran-backed militias. President Joe Biden is considering options for a response to the strike, with Iran threatening to “decisively respond” to any U.S. attack on the Islamic Republic.
The attack took place at Tower 22, a secretive base in northeastern Jordan crucial to the American presence in neighboring Syria. The National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, stated that the U.S. believes the attack was planned and facilitated by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, including the militant group Kataib Hezbollah. President Biden is weighing appropriate responses, emphasizing that it won’t be a one-off action.
Despite a statement from Kataib Hezbollah about suspending military operations against occupation forces, Kirby dismissed it, highlighting that the group can’t be taken at face value. The U.S. has experienced numerous attacks from Iran-aligned militias, with 166 incidents reported since October 18, including strikes in Iraq, Syria, and the recent one in Jordan.
The U.S. has previously retaliated against these militias, launching airstrikes in Syria and Iraq over the past three months. As tensions escalate, any additional American strikes could further destabilize the region, which is already dealing with conflicts such as Israel’s ongoing war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Iran has issued warnings in response to the U.S. holding Tehran responsible for the drone attack. Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, stated that Iran would decisively respond to any attack on the country, its interests, and nationals. The U.S. official mentioned American F/A-18 fighter jets striking and destroying Houthi drones, indicating the broader regional challenges.
As the situation unfolds, there are concerns that further military actions could lead to a wider war in the Middle East. The U.S. emphasizes that it does not seek war with Iran, while Iranian authorities express readiness for a strong response but state they are not after war.
In a separate development, Houthi rebels targeted a U.S. guided missile destroyer in the Red Sea, claiming it as a response to American-British aggression. The Houthis have been involved in repeated attacks on ships in the Red Sea, affecting global trade routes. The U.S. and the United Kingdom have conducted multiple airstrikes against the Houthis, with the European Union planning to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea to defend cargo ships from further attacks.
Comments