Amman, Jordan – The United States has issued a warning that it will continue to target Iranian-aligned militants following two significant waves of strikes in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict that ignited hostilities throughout the Middle East. The US national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, announced that the recent barrage of strikes against Iranian-linked targets in Iraq and Syria is just the beginning of the US response, not the end.
These attacks, which targeted 85 locations at seven facilities, were launched in retaliation for a drone strike that killed three American soldiers at a base on the Jordanian-Syrian border. The Biden administration also conducted a second wave of strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been targeting merchant ships and US naval vessels in the Red Sea.
Sullivan emphasized that the US intends to take additional strikes and actions to make it clear that there will be a response when American forces are attacked or lives are lost. These back-to-back assaults demonstrate the Biden administration’s increased response to militant attacks against American forces and interests in the region.
Despite President Joe Biden’s desire to avoid a full-scale regional conflict, the strikes underscore the delicate balance between military deterrence and diplomacy in containing the hostilities. The US is under pressure to respond to the attacks by Iranian-aligned militants, but it is carefully calibrating its response to prevent further escalation that could draw American troops into more extensive combat.
These Iranian-aligned militants have launched over 160 rocket and drone attacks against US troops in Iraq and Syria since mid-October. With about 2,500 US troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria, deployed to prevent the resurgence of jihadi group ISIS, the pressure on the Biden administration to respond is mounting.
The Houthi rebels, on the other hand, have been responsible for numerous attacks against merchant ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, severely disrupting one of the world’s most crucial maritime trade routes.
The US, along with the UK and six other nations, have maintained their commitment to de-escalating tensions and restoring stability in the Red Sea. However, they have also warned the Houthi leadership that they will continue to defend lives and the free flow of commerce.
Despite these warnings, the Houthi military spokesperson has declared that the rebel group will not be deterred and has threatened to respond to the strikes on Yemen. The US military has also launched another strike in self-defense against a Houthi anti-ship missile being prepared for launch.
The intense military actions by the US signal a significant escalation in its response to the attacks by Iranian-aligned militants, as well as the first strikes targeting facilities linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The US has faced condemnation from Iran and Iraq, with both countries warning that the US action could trigger greater instability in the region.
Tensions continue to mount, and while Washington seeks to avoid direct conflict with Iran and its allies, the delicate balance between military action and diplomatic efforts remains a significant challenge. The growing cycle of tit-for-tat violence poses a risk of being stuck in a never-ending cycle, which could erode the US position in the region and lead to greater instability. The shift to a diplomatic track to end the violence in the region may be crucial in preventing further escalation and restoring stability in the Middle East.