Iran, maintaining its innocence in the drone attack, criticized the US strikes, stating they would only escalate tensions and instability in the region. Iraq echoed these sentiments, warning of “disastrous consequences” for the area.
The strikes resulted in at least 16 casualties, including civilians, and sparked condemnation from Iraq’s prime minister, who labeled them a violation of sovereignty.
Syria also weighed in, asserting that the US “occupation” of Syrian territory must cease. Amidst these developments, President Biden affirmed that the US attacks would persist as needed but emphasized a lack of desire for conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else globally.
The timing of the retaliatory strikes faced criticism from US Republicans, who argued that the response was delayed. Biden Administration officials countered, saying the delay was due to weather conditions obstructing target visibility.
This delay, according to some foreign policy experts, might have allowed Iran to withdraw personnel, potentially averting a broader conflict between the US and Iran.
