US Strikes Iran-Backed Militias After Delay Following Drone Attack on Troops

The retaliation for the drone strike in Jordan that claimed the lives of three US soldiers has finally commenced, nearly a week after the incident. The Biden administration faced scrutiny for the timing and intensity of the response, with critics questioning the delay.

Foreign policy experts suggest that the deliberate approach may have allowed Iran to withdraw its personnel, potentially preventing a broader conflict between the US and Iran. Mick Mulroy, a former deputy assistant secretary of defence for the Middle East, noted that while the strikes aimed to degrade the capabilities of Iranian-backed militias, they might not serve as a deterrent for future attacks.

The US targeted the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militias in Iraq and Syria, hitting a total of seven sites with 85 individual targets. President Joe Biden emphasised a strong message, stating, “If you harm an American, we will respond.”

US officials attributed the drone attack in Jordan to the Iranian-backed militia group, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is believed to be supported by Iran. Despite Iran’s denial of involvement, 41 US troops were injured in the strike.

Defence and security officials cited adverse weather conditions as a factor contributing to the delay in retaliation, with Friday being deemed optimal for launching the strikes. Experts suggest that, despite the White House’s attempt to avoid telegraphing operations, signals were sent to convey the US’s intention of avoiding a direct confrontation with Iran.

The delay, according to some analysts, indicated a strategic move by the US to signal restraint, particularly by ruling out strikes inside Iran. There’s speculation that the US may have allowed Iranian Revolutionary Guard personnel to evacuate targeted facilities.

Navigating a delicate balance, the US aims to deter Iran without escalating into a larger conflict. Critics, particularly Republicans in Congress, condemned Biden’s approach as too lenient on Iran, urging a more robust response to prevent further attacks. Despite this, the Biden administration may be cautious to avoid domestic political challenges that could arise from getting entangled in a more significant conflict. The situation remains dynamic, with the promise of additional response actions in the coming days, according to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.