The White House has promised a “significant response” to the drone attack, amidst escalating tensions between the US and the Middle East. Following a drone strike that resulted in the deaths of three American troops at a base in Jordan, President Joe Biden attributed the attack to Iran-backed militants and vowed to ensure accountability for the perpetrators. These casualties mark the first US military fatalities in the region since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict, heightening concerns of a potential escalation in hostilities amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In an effort to convey a sense of preparedness for conflict, images surfaced online depicting President Biden in military attire within the White House Situation Room, surrounded by advisors. These pictures, showcasing Mr. Biden in camouflage attire, circulated widely on X (formerly Twitter).
According to user Luke on X, these images were generated using Midjourney, an artificial intelligence program known for its generative capabilities. Despite initial assumptions that the photos were artificially created, it was confirmed that they were authentic.
In response to the drone attack, the White House emphasized that the forthcoming actions would carry significant consequences. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stressed that while the response would be impactful, the US is not seeking a war with Iran nor aiming for a broader conflict in the Middle East.
Iran, on the other hand, refuted any involvement in the attack, dismissing US allegations of supporting the militant groups responsible for the strike near the Jordan-Iraq-Syria border. President Biden asserted that the attack was orchestrated by extremist Iran-backed factions operating in Syria and Iraq, reaffirming the commitment to holding all accountable through measures determined by the US.
Contrary to US claims, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani denounced the accusations as unfounded, emphasizing that Tehran does not dictate the actions of the resistance groups allegedly involved in the incident.
Despite the absence of a formal claim of responsibility for the drone strike, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq purportedly asserted responsibility for launching three drone attacks on bases in Syria, including in proximity to the Jordanian border.
