U.S. President Joe Biden is briefed on the deadly drone attack at a U.S. outpost in Jordan, by Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and other members of the national security team in the Situation Room at the White House in Washington, U.S. January 29, 2024. The White House/Handout via REUTERS./File Photo
On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden conveyed that he has reached a decision regarding the appropriate response to a drone attack in Jordan, which resulted in the loss of U.S. service members. The attack, carried out by Iran-backed militias, has prompted the administration to consider measures to address the situation without instigating a broader conflict. President Biden, while departing the White House for a campaign trip to Florida, briefly commented on his decision without providing specific details, citing consultations with top advisers.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, addressing reporters on Air Force One during the President’s flight to Florida, indicated that the United States may employ a tiered approach in responding to the incident. He underscored the likelihood of multiple actions as opposed to a singular response. President Biden emphasized his administration’s stance against seeking an expanded conflict in the Middle East, aligning with statements made by other officials who have asserted that the United States does not desire a war with Iran.
While deliberating on potential retaliatory measures, President Biden acknowledged that he does not envision a broader conflict in the Middle East as a desirable outcome. Responding to inquiries about the responsibility for the attack, Biden asserted that Iran bears a level of accountability due to its role in supplying weapons to the perpetrators. The drone attack, which occurred in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border, resulted in the death of three U.S. service members and left at least 34 others wounded.
President Biden faces external pressure to deliver a robust response, with critics, particularly from the Republican Party, accusing him of leaving American forces vulnerable to such attacks. The expectation is that retaliatory strikes will be implemented, although the precise timing of the response remains unclear.
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