Pentagon Asserts It Is Not Pursuing War with Iran Following Jordan Attack, Reports Reuters

By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON – U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated on Monday that the U.S. would take "all necessary actions" to protect its troops following a drone attack in Jordan attributed to Iran-backed militants. This comes as the Biden administration reiterated its intention to avoid war with Iran.

The drone strike, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in the deaths of three U.S. soldiers and injuries to over 40 others. It marks the first deadly incident involving U.S. troops since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas in October, representing a significant escalation in ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Austin expressed his outrage and sorrow for the fallen soldiers and the injured at a press event in the Pentagon, asserting, "The president and I will not tolerate attacks on U.S. forces, and we will take all necessary actions to defend the U.S. and our troops." He made these comments while meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken added, "As the president said yesterday, we will respond, and that response could be multi-leveled, come in stages, and be sustained over time."

However, administration officials emphasized their desire to avoid further escalation. According to Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh, there is a belief that Iran also does not wish for war with the United States. Similarly, White House national security spokesman John Kirby noted that the Biden administration is exploring response options without seeking military conflict.

Further investigation is underway to determine why nearly 350 U.S. troops at the Jordanian base, known as Tower 22, were unable to prevent the drone attack. Reports suggest that a U.S. drone was approaching the base at the time of the incident, and the incoming drone flew at a low altitude, possibly contributing to the failure of base defenses.

The U.S. military has identified the deceased servicemen, with the youngest being 23-year-old Army Reserve specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. Since October 7, U.S. troops have faced over 160 attacks in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, with additional assaults on warships in the Red Sea by Houthi fighters in Yemen.

These ongoing attacks are increasing political pressure on President Biden to take decisive action against Iran, a response he has been hesitant to initiate for fear of provoking a wider conflict.

Biden convened with Austin and his national security team on Monday morning to review the latest developments concerning the attack. Experts suggest that the president’s possible responses could include targeting Iranian forces domestically or retaliating more cautiously against the Iran-aligned militants deemed responsible.

NATO’s Stoltenberg highlighted Iran’s role in destabilizing the region, citing its support for terrorist activities targeting U.S. interests in the Red Sea.

The recent attack has intensified fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East, especially following the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

The United States has prior retaliated against Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen in response to previous provocations. Singh noted the recent attacks bore the "footprints" of the Iran-aligned Kataeb Hezbollah, though a final assessment has not yet been made.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed concern over escalating tensions in the region and called for Iran to de-escalate.

Moreover, Iran’s intelligence minister indicated that regional groups aligned with Tehran would respond to what they perceive as "American aggressors" based on their own discretion.

Experts caution that any military response targeting Iranian forces within Iran could provoke a significant retaliation from Tehran, potentially dragging the U.S. deeper into an extensive conflict in the Middle East.