Lloyd Austin: The Attack on the U.S. Base in Jordan Was Carried Out by Iranian Proxy Groups

Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, stated during a press conference on Thursday, February 1, regarding the Islamic Republic's awareness of the drone attack on the U.S. military base in Jordan, that what is significant is that the attack was carried out by elements of the 'resistance axis,' which are Iranian proxy groups. He emphasized that the Islamic Republic finances these groups and, in some cases, provides them with training on the use of advanced weapons. Austin mentioned that the increased use of drones in the region is related to the Islamic Republic of Iran. He also expressed regret over the deaths of three American soldiers and the injuries of several others following the drone attack on the U.S. military base in Jordan, stating: 'We will not tolerate harm to our forces.' Regarding potential U.S. actions for deterrence against the Islamic Republic and escalating tensions in the Middle East, he said: 'Our goal is to ensure that we can keep the crisis in Gaza contained and prevent its expansion.' He pointed out the ongoing threats from Iranian-backed militia groups, including Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, stating that this is a 'dangerous moment' in the Middle East. Austin added that while we strive to prevent broader conflict, we will take any necessary actions to defend our interests and our people, responding in a manner and timing of our choosing. He also noted that the U.S. is still gathering information on this matter. The Secretary of Defense stated: 'Our soldiers are losing their lives to protect people from global terrorism.' In response to a question from a Fox News reporter about how the U.S. would respond to the drone attack by the Iraqi Islamic Resistance movement in Jordan, he said: 'We will have a layered response and have the capability to respond depending on the situation.' Austin mentioned that Iranian proxy groups had attacked U.S. forces several times before October 7, adding that the conflict has not escalated and that the management of the situation has been 'skillfully handled' and that they are in contact with their Israeli counterparts regarding this issue. He stated that the Houthis are still engaged in 'irresponsible and illegal' activities and that we must eliminate their capabilities. He described the Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea as an 'international problem' and added: 'The main issue is freedom of navigation and demonstrating our seriousness and that of our partners in this regard.' Lloyd Austin declared that 'we are very serious and must stop Houthi activities,' urging the Islamic Republic to cease its arms supply to the Houthis. He also mentioned that Kata'ib Hezbollah and other elements continue to attack U.S. forces and added that it is time to take away more of their capabilities and hold them accountable. In response to a question from Agence France-Presse regarding U.S. actions for deterring the Islamic Republic, he stated that the existing challenges are to hold the 'right people' accountable and added: 'We do not follow a specific formula in this regard.' He further stated: 'In the decision-making process at the National Security Council, we are monitoring all aspects and will use every national tool to address various issues.' Lloyd Austin, in response to questions from The Washington Post regarding criticisms and whether the U.S. is playing the Iran and Houthi card, said that the Houthis attacked commercial ships that had no connection to supporting Israel and were supplying goods and materials needed by fifty countries. He added: 'This is an international crisis, and we must reduce the capabilities of the Houthis.' He also answered reporters' questions related to his health. The Secretary of Defense was discharged from the hospital after spending two weeks recovering from prostate cancer surgery. According to the Associated Press, his doctors stated that 'he has made good progress and his health is improving.'