The World Waits as Biden Telegraphs Attack on Iran-Backed Groups
- US strategy forgoes element of surprise with strikes looming
- Pentagon chief lays out ‘multi-tiered’ response in coming days
This article is for subscribers only.
President Joe Biden is making no secret of his intentions for multiple attacks on an Iran-backed group that killed three US soldiers last week, a strategy that’s exposed him to criticism he’s giving up the element of surprise.
The coming strikes were the talk of Washington on Thursday, four days after Biden warned that the US would respond at a time and place of its choosing. Based on hints from the White House, the consensus emerged that the US would attack Tehran-linked targets in Syria and Iraq but not hit Iranian territory. There was also speculation the US would target an Iranian warship deployed in the Red Sea, the IRIS Alborz.