U.S. believes base in Jordan targeted by Iranian drone, approves retaliatory strikes

According to statements from four American officials in a conversation with the agency, Washington attributes responsibility for the recent attack in the Middle East to militants supported by Tehran, specifically implicating Iran for its assistance to the group.

Although the drone model is not publicly disclosed at the moment, initial indications suggested it was likely of Iranian origin. It is mentioned that the official assessment was made only recently after the discovery of drone fragments.

Today, on February 1, CBS News reported information from U.S. officials that Washington has approved plans for multi-day strikes in Iraq and Syria on numerous targets, including Iranian personnel and facilities.

The article does not provide details about what the approval of strike schedules by the United States entails. However, the press suggests that the U.S. side is aware of a way to punish Iran-backed militants without provoking a broader war in the Middle East.

Background
On January 28, a drone attacked the U.S. military base Tower 22 near the Jordan-Syria border. According to the Pentagon, over 40 American soldiers were injured in this attack.

The U.S. Department of Defense also noted that the Iran-supported group Kata'ib Hezbollah was allegedly involved in the attack.

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin threatened a response to the attack "at a time and place of our choosing." U.S. President Joe Biden stated that Iran is responsible for this attack and indicated that he has already decided on measures in response.

However, on January 30, the Iraqi armed group Kata'ib Hezbollah, supported by Iran, announced the suspension of all its military operations against U.S. forces in the Middle East, supposedly to prevent escalation after the attack in Jordan.

Yesterday, on January 31, the American press reported that the Biden administration is preparing to conduct an operation in response to the recent attack on the base in Jordan. Such a campaign may last for several weeks.

Earlier today, White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby stated that, according to intelligence, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which includes various groups, including Kata'ib Hezbollah, is linked to the strike on the U.S. military base in Jordan.