Exclusive: US Sources Claim Drone That Killed Soldiers Was Iranian-Made

By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali

The United States has determined that Iran was responsible for manufacturing the drone that struck a U.S. base in Jordan over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of three American soldiers and injuring over 40 others, according to four U.S. officials.

This attack marks the first instance of U.S. troop fatalities in the Middle East since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October. Washington has attributed the assault to militants supported by Iran and has indicated that the Biden administration will implement a multifaceted response, which may include military strikes.

However, the U.S. has refrained from publicly specifying the origin of the weapon that caused the fatalities, while acknowledging Iran’s overarching role in financing and, in some cases, training the responsible militant groups.

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not disclose the drone model, noting that investigations are still underway. Initial findings suggested that the drone was likely of Iranian origin, but a formal conclusion was only reached after analyzing drone fragments that were recovered.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, when questioned about the drone’s origins at a news briefing, did not confirm its provenance. He stated, "We’re still doing the forensics," while indicating that many drones operating in the region are linked to Iran.

Austin expressed uncertainty about whether Iran had prior knowledge of the attack but emphasized that it was not a crucial factor. "How much Iran knew or didn’t know, we don’t know. But it really doesn’t matter because Iran sponsors these groups, it funds these groups, and in some cases, it trains them on advanced, conventional weapons," he remarked.

In a related development, Kataib Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian militia based in Iraq, announced it would suspend military actions against the U.S. to prevent embarrassment to the Baghdad government.

The Biden administration has articulated its intention to avoid a conflict with Iran, despite increasing pressure from Republicans for a robust military response.

Iranian officials have warned that Tehran would respond to any threats from the United States. The Iranian envoy to the U.S. stated that Iran would act decisively against any attack on its territory or interests, as well as against Iranian nationals abroad.

Since October 7, U.S. troops have faced over 160 attacks in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, and U.S. warships have also encountered hostilities in the Red Sea. Houthi fighters in Yemen have targeted these forces with drones and missiles as part of their solidarity with the Palestinian people.

With expectations of prolonged military operations, Austin indicated that a comprehensive response would be necessary to counter threats posed by Iran-backed groups against U.S. forces. He stated, "I don’t think the adversaries are of a one-and-done mindset… They have a lot of capability. I have a lot more. … We’re going to do what’s necessary to protect our troops and our interests."

The incident in Jordan and any subsequent U.S. responses could heighten fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East, particularly following the October 7 incursion by Hamas into southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and 253 individuals taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.

Israel’s subsequent military actions in Gaza have reportedly resulted in over 27,000 Palestinian deaths, as per local health ministry data.

In response to earlier assaults by Iran-backed groups, the United States has already conducted retaliatory strikes in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. Experts have warned that any military action taken against Iranian forces within Iran could provoke a reaction from Tehran, escalating tensions and potentially leading to a significant conflict in the region.