The U.S. has announced its intention to carry out additional strikes on Iran-aligned groups in the Middle East, following recent attacks on these factions in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. White House National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, confirmed the plans on Sunday, stating that the U.S. will continue to strike Iran-backed groups as a response to attacks on U.S. forces.
The recent attacks were in retaliation for a deadly assault on U.S. forces in Jordan. Sullivan emphasized that the U.S. will take additional action to send a clear message that it will respond when its forces are attacked and its people are killed.
The conflict, which began on October 7 with an attack by Hamas, an Iran-supported Palestinian militant group, on Israel from the Gaza Strip, has spread across the Middle East. Iran-backed groups from Hezbollah in Lebanon to militias in Iraq and Syria have joined in.
While Iran supports these groups, it has refrained from direct engagement in the conflict. The Pentagon has expressed its desire to avoid war with Iran and believes that Iran shares this sentiment.
In addition to the military strikes, the Biden administration is also making diplomatic efforts to reduce the fallout of the war. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to the region to hold talks on a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. His itinerary includes visits to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Israel.
The pressure on President Joe Biden has been increasing since the death of three U.S. soldiers allegedly by Iran-backed militants. This incident has led to calls for direct action against Iran, despite concerns of a broader conflict.
Former National Security Adviser John Bolton has urged Biden to target Iranian assets within its borders, as he believes the retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed groups in Syria and Iraq have been insufficient. However, the Pentagon has reiterated that the U.S. is not seeking war with Iran.
The rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, have prompted the U.S. and China to call for restraint. The international community is keen to prevent further escalation in the region.
It remains to be seen how the situation in the Middle East will develop and whether the U.S. will carry out further strikes on Iran-aligned groups. As the Biden administration balances military action with diplomatic efforts, the region and the world will be closely watching for any signs of de-escalation or further conflict.
