In the wake of the deadly drone attack in Jordan that claimed the lives of U.S. service members and left others wounded, President Joe Biden faces the challenging task of formulating a robust response without triggering a wider conflict with Iran, according to officials.
The attack on Sunday, attributed to the Iran-backed militant group Kataib Hezbollah, marked the deadliest assault on U.S. forces in the region since the bombing at Abbey Gate during the final days of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
While the U.S. is under increasing pressure to retaliate decisively, officials from the Pentagon and White House are cautious not to reveal specific plans to avoid telegraphing the administration’s intentions.
Iran-backed militants have targeted U.S. military facilities in Iraq and Syria more than 160 times since October, prompting calls from some Republican lawmakers for direct strikes within Iran. However, the Biden administration is wary of sparking a regional war.
Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling emphasized that the recent attack crossed President Biden’s “red line,” indicating expectations for a more potent response. The challenge lies in delivering a robust reaction without escalating tensions to a point of no return.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the current Middle East environment as one of the most dangerous since at least 1973, underscoring the complexity of the situation.
While the U.S. has previously targeted Iranian proxies’ weapons depots in Iraq and Syria, such actions have failed to deter militants. The Biden administration now contemplates a multifaceted response, potentially targeting militant groups, their leadership, or employing offensive cyberattacks.
Despite holding Iran responsible for the attacks, there is no explicit indication that Iran directed the recent drone strike, and the Iranian government has denied involvement.
“We don’t seek a war with Iran. We’re not looking for a wider conflict in the Middle East,” said John Kirby, the National Security Council’s strategic communications coordinator.
The Biden administration faces a delicate balance, aiming to de-escalate tensions while responding forcefully to the attacks. However, a measured response could be perceived as weak, complicating the delicate geopolitical situation in the region.
Iran’s strategic investments in regional proxies, forming the so-called “axis of resistance,” have allowed it to exert influence and pressure the U.S. to disengage from the Middle East. Recent developments, including growing ties with Russia and China, anti-U.S. sentiments, and calls for the end of the U.S. military presence in Iraq, showcase Iran’s perceived victories in the region.
As the U.S. grapples with the aftermath of the Jordan attack, the Biden administration faces a pivotal moment in shaping its response to Iranian-backed aggression without plunging the region into a broader conflict.