President Joe Biden has disclosed that he has formulated a plan in response to the drone strike in northern Jordan that resulted in the death of three American soldiers and left dozens injured. The Iran-backed militia, Kataib Hezbollah, which the U.S. holds responsible for the attack, announced a suspension of its anti-U.S. operations, citing a desire to avoid causing "embarrassment" to the Iraqi government.
While placing blame on Iran for supplying weapons to Kataib Hezbollah, President Biden did not confirm a direct link to Iran for the attack on the Tower 22 base. He expressed the need to avoid a broader conflict in the Middle East, emphasizing that he is not seeking a wider war.
The Biden administration faces the delicate task of deterring future attacks, addressing U.S. public sentiment with decisive action, and mitigating the risk of direct conflict with Iran. Analysts suggest that a direct retaliation on Iranian soil is unlikely, given these considerations.
U.S. officials have hinted at a phased response rather than an immediate and singular action. John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, stated that the response might unfold in multiple stages.
Tehran has denied involvement in the drone attack and rejected accusations of supporting militant groups responsible for over 150 strikes on U.S. bases since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, outlined the U.S. approach, emphasizing the intent to stand up for American personnel while working to prevent the conflict from escalating.
Blinken affirmed that the U.S. would respond strongly, choosing the time and place for its actions. The response, he noted, could be multi-leveled, implemented in stages, and sustained over time.
Military analysts posit that one option for the U.S. could involve targeting members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) operating outside Iran, such as in Syria. However, such operations carry the risk of unintended escalation, even if not conducted on Iranian soil. Timing would depend on when suitable targets present themselves, adding complexity to the decision-making process.