Biden considering response options to attack on U.S. military base in Jordan, Politico
Joe Biden (Photo: Getty Images)
The White House is considering the consequences for Iran, accused by President Joe Biden of causing the deaths of servicemen in an attack in Jordan. Currently, the Pentagon is exploring several options for retribution, reports Politico.
Biden's Middle East policy becomes more complicated
Some Democrats are concerned that Biden's presidency risks being influenced by external events. Meanwhile, Republican leaders in Congress and their allies insist on a swift U.S. response to the recent attack in Jordan. Donald Trump personally blamed Biden for the events, and conservatives advise caution.
As reported, Biden ordered his advisers to present a range of response options that would help deter further attacks without inflaming the volatile region.
This Monday, January 29, the White House reiterated the president's promise to "respond" to attacks on U.S. military personnel but warned that the U.S. would not act hastily.
"We do not seek another war. We do not seek to escalate. But we will absolutely do what is required," said National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, adding that the final response would take into account that "these groups, backed by Tehran, have just taken the lives of American troops."
Possible retaliatory measures being considered by the Pentagon include:
- Striking Iranian personnel in Syria or Iraq.
- Hitting Iranian military-naval objects in the Persian Gulf.
Meanwhile, Tehran has stated that an attack on Iran itself would be a red line.
Officials claim that if Biden gives the green light, retaliation will begin within the next few days and "come in waves against a range of targets."
Risk of regional war
"His options range from bad to worse. Not responding is not conscionable, but there are risks of provoking a true regional war. They know that Iran can not afford a direct conflict with the United States, but it could fully unleash Hezbollah on Israel or American assets, and it could spiral," noted Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. Middle East peace negotiator now at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Attack on U.S. military in Jordan
On January 28, near the northern border of Jordan with Syria, a drone attacked the U.S. military base Tower 22. As a result, three military personnel were killed, and dozens were injured. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin threatened to "respond at a time and place of our choosing."
According to Bloomberg, the strike in Jordan will have a more decisive response than all other U.S. operations since the start of Israel's war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
