The US has approved plans for a series of strikes on Iranian targets in Syria and Iraq
PLANET LABS PBC / AP
Amid escalating tensions, officials have revealed that the anticipated strikes approved will unfold over several days, with weather conditions playing a crucial role in determining the timing. The heightened situation follows a drone attack near the Syrian border in Jordan on Sunday, claiming the lives of three U.S. soldiers. The United States attributed the assault to an Iranian-backed militia group, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, believed to comprise multiple factions armed, funded, and trained by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards force.
The group claimed responsibility for the attack on the military base, approved referred to as Tower 22, resulting in 41 other U.S. soldiers being injured. Iran has denied any involvement in the incident. Despite the denial, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the U.S.’s unwavering stance against attacks on American troops during a news conference on Thursday. He stated, “We will take all necessary actions to defend the United States, our interests, and our people.”
Officials, speaking to CBS News, did not provide a specific timeline for the potential strikes but highlighted the preference for launching them in better weather conditions to minimize the risk of unintentionally harming civilians. President Joe Biden and other defense officials have expressed a reluctance to seek a broader conflict with Iran or escalate tensions in the region. President Biden clarified, “That’s not what I’m looking for,” signaling a desire to avoid further hostilities.
There have been no new attacks on U.S. troop locations since the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah announced the suspension of military operations against American forces on Wednesday. U.S. officials indicated that the group’s declared suspension has not delayed the anticipated retaliatory strikes by the American military approved.
Secretary Austin responded to the group’s statement during the news conference, emphasizing the significance of actions over words. He stated, “We always listen to what people are saying, but we watch what they do, and actions are everything, so we’ll see what happens in the future.”
In the Middle East, several Iran-backed groups have intensified attacks on U.S. and Israeli-linked entities amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Palestinian militant group, which has long controlled Gaza, initiated the war with a terror attack on Israel on October 7. Israeli officials claim the attack killed around 1,200 people.
Secretary Austin addressed the U.S. approach, stating that efforts are underway to hold the right individuals accountable without escalating the conflict in the region. He emphasized a multitiered response, indicating the capability to respond multiple times based on the evolving situation.
Israel has conducted a comprehensive offensive in Gaza since October 7, with Hamas reporting over 26,000 casualties, predominantly women and children. Israel asserts its commitment to minimizing harm to civilians while expressing determination to continue the offensive until Hamas is dismantled.
Iran, a key supporter of Hamas and various groups across the region, including Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, has aligned its actions with what it claims to be support for the Palestinian cause. U.S. officials reported the destruction of a sea drone in the Red Sea and the downing of another drone over the Gulf of Aden, underscoring the complexity and regional scope of the situation.
As tensions persist, the region remains on edge, awaiting developments in response to the recent drone attack and the potential for further military actions.