In response to a deadly drone attack on an American base in Jordan, the US military conducted retaliatory airstrikes against Iranian forces and Tehran-backed militia groups in Iraq and Syria on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 fighters. Although the United States attributed the Sunday drone attack to Iran-backed forces, it refrained from striking Iranian territory directly. Instead, Washington aimed to deter future attacks while avoiding all-out war with Tehran, a scenario both sides have actively sought to prevent.

US President Joe Biden affirmed the retaliatory action, stating, "Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing." He emphasized that while the United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or elsewhere, it remains steadfast in its commitment to respond to any harm inflicted upon Americans. Biden's statement underscored the US stance of maintaining a strong deterrent while expressing a preference for de-escalation in the region. The airstrikes reflect a calculated response aimed at signaling resolve without escalating tensions to a point of irreparable confrontation.

In response to a deadly drone attack on an American base in Jordan, the US military conducted retaliatory airstrikes against Iranian forces and Tehran-backed militia groups in Iraq and Syria on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 fighters. Although the United States attributed the Sunday drone attack to Iran-backed forces, it refrained from striking Iranian territory directly. Instead, Washington aimed to deter future attacks while avoiding all-out war with Tehran, a scenario both sides have actively sought to prevent.

US President Joe Biden affirmed the retaliatory action, stating, "Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing." He emphasized that while the United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or elsewhere, it remains steadfast in its commitment to respond to any harm inflicted upon Americans. Biden's statement underscored the US stance of maintaining a strong deterrent while expressing a preference for de-escalation in the region. The airstrikes reflect a calculated response aimed at signaling resolve without escalating tensions to a point of irreparable confrontation.