The U.S. National Security Adviser announces plans for further military actions against Iran-supported factions following recent attacks in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
By yourNEWS Media Staff
The United States has announced its intention to conduct additional strikes against Iran-backed groups in the Middle East. This statement was made by the White House National Security Adviser on Sunday, following operations against Tehran-aligned factions in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. These strikes were in retaliation for attacks on U.S. personnel and interests in the region, including a deadly assault on U.S. troops in Jordan.
In a coordinated effort, the United States and Britain targeted 36 Houthi positions in Yemen, responding to the assault on U.S. forces. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” emphasized the U.S. commitment to defending its forces and citizens, stating, “We intend to take additional strikes, and additional action, to continue to send a clear message that the United States will respond when our forces are attacked, when our people are killed.”
The conflict has escalated since October 7, when Hamas initiated a war against Israel, leading to wider regional involvement by Tehran-backed groups. These factions have launched attacks across the Middle East, from Hezbollah targeting Israeli positions to Houthi forces engaging in maritime aggression in the Red Sea. Despite these actions, Iran has not directly participated in the conflict, according to Pentagon statements expressing a desire to avoid war with Iran.
Sullivan refrained from discussing potential strikes within Iran, focusing instead on the broader strategy of U.S. military response. He mentioned on CBS’ “Face the Nation” that the U.S. response is not concluded and will involve both visible and potentially unseen actions, clarifying that this does not indicate an indefinite military campaign.
Recent U.S. military actions have significantly impacted Houthi capabilities in Yemen, targeting weapons storage, missile systems, and other assets critical to their operations. Houthi spokespeople have vowed retaliation, underscoring their commitment to supporting Gaza despite these attacks. The U.S. has also responded to the killing of three American soldiers in Jordan, marking a significant escalation in its military engagements in the region.
Critics and analysts, including Mahjoob Zweiri of Qatar University, suggest that Iran will likely maintain its current strategy of indirect engagement. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the strikes as violations of international law, warning of their implications for global peace and security. Meanwhile, U.S. actions in Iraq and Syria have prompted discussions on the potential for further escalation and the careful avoidance of direct conflict with Iran itself.
In Baghdad, a funeral procession for 17 members of the Popular Mobilization Forces killed in U.S. strikes drew attention to the human cost of the conflict. Senior Iraqi politician Hadi al-Ameri called for the expulsion of U.S. forces, highlighting the tensions between the U.S. presence and regional factions. This ongoing conflict reflects the complex dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics, U.S. military strategy, and the broader implications for international peace and security.