Biden Urged to Respond as Iran-Linked Attack Leaves 3 US Soldiers Dead
Three U.S. service members were killed and more than two dozen others were injured in a drone strike by an Iranian-supported militia on a small U.S. outpost in Jordan near the Syrian border. The deadly attack has prompted a strong response from U.S. officials, with President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin indicating that the U.S. will respond at a time and place of their choosing. The Iranian-backed militias have been responsible for over 150 missile and drone attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since mid-October, leading to several casualties.
The strike has escalated tensions between the United States and Iran, raising concerns over the potential for a wider conflict. American officials have acknowledged that the deaths of American troops under fire necessitate a heightened level of response. Despite President Biden's vow to respond to the aggression, the administration has not made clear whether it will target Iran directly, as Biden aims to avoid a full-scale war.
In the wake of the attack, Republican lawmakers have increased pressure on the Biden administration to take more decisive action against Iran and its proxies. The strike is the latest in a series of recent attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East attributed to Iranian-backed groups. The escalation has sparked fears among lawmakers and government officials that repeated attacks could lead to a broader regional conflict.
Former President Donald Trump has also weighed in, criticizing President Biden for what he perceives as a lack of strength in responding to such attacks. Trump shared his condolences for the families of the fallen service members before criticizing his political rival. He has suggested that U.S. conflicts with other nations have been emboldened by perceptions of American weakness under the current administration.
