Middle East in Crisis; Guardian: Islamic Republic on Alert for U.S. Retaliation

The Guardian newspaper reported that the Islamic Republic has warned Washington that it will face a "decisive response and direct confrontation" if there is any direct attack on Iranian territory following a recent drone attack on American forces in Jordan. The newspaper stated that the Islamic Republic and its military forces are now on full alert, with a U.S. attack on Islamic Republic positions in Syria being the most likely option in response to this drone attack. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, following reports of a U.S. retaliatory response to the deadly attack on American forces in Jordan, Kata'ib Hezbollah, an Iraqi armed group aligned with the Islamic Republic, announced in a statement that it has suspended all its military operations against American forces in the region. The group claimed this decision was made to "prevent the Iraqi government from becoming agitated." According to Reuters, an Iraqi official who wished to remain anonymous said that Kata'ib Hezbollah made this decision after intensive contacts between the Iraqi government and American officials and Iraqi armed groups to prevent escalation after the attack on the base hosting American forces in Jordan. This official commented on the deadly attack on the base, stating: "It is clear that... they overstepped their bounds and (the attack) put everyone at a crossroads." U.S. President Joe Biden stated on Tuesday that he has made a decision on how to respond to the drone attack that resulted in the deaths and injuries of several American forces in Jordan. Biden did not provide further details about his decision, which was made after consultations with senior White House advisors. He stated that the United States does not need a broader war in the Middle East and confirmed other U.S. officials' statements that the U.S. does not seek war with Iran. Biden said: "I don't think we need a broader war in the Middle East. This is not something I am looking for." When asked by reporters whether he has decided how to respond to these attacks, he answered "yes." Biden also stated regarding whether Iran is responsible for these attacks: "I hold them responsible in the sense that they supply the weapons to those who carried out these attacks." On Sunday, Biden promised to respond to the attack by Iran-aligned militants. The deadly attack on American soldiers occurred on Sunday, February 27. Biden announced in a statement that three American soldiers stationed in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border were killed and "many" others were injured due to a drone attack by "Iran-backed extremist militant groups." He began his statement with the phrase "Today, America's heart is heavy," and emphasized: "While we are still in the process of gathering facts about this attack, we know it was carried out by Iran-backed extremist militant groups active in Syria and Iraq." The U.S. President continued by saying that he and First Lady Jill Biden share their grief over the loss of these warriors in this "horrific and unjust" attack with the families and friends of the deceased. Biden noted that the victims of this attack represented the best of America, stating that they displayed unwavering courage, did not falter in their duties, and risked their lives to protect Americans and U.S. allies and partners in the fight against terrorism. The U.S. President asserted: "This is a fight we will not stop." Biden further described the three fallen American soldiers as patriots, adding that their sacrifice will not be forgotten and "we will honor our sacred commitment to their families." He stated: "We will strive to be worthy of their dignity and courage... and we will continue their commitment to fight terrorism." In the conclusion of his statement, Biden asserted: "We will hold all those responsible [for this attack] accountable in our own time and in our own way." The U.S. Central Command, CENTCOM, confirmed early Monday morning in a statement the deaths of three American soldiers during the attack on Sunday and reported that 34 others were injured, with the number possibly changing. According to CENTCOM, eight of the injured military personnel who required further care and treatment were transferred outside of Jordan, and their condition has been reported as stable. Other personnel at the base have also been examined. Exclusive; Former U.S. Defense Secretary: Any action in response to the drone attack in Jordan should target the Islamic Republic. Exclusive; Mike Gallagher: The Biden administration should not warn enemies before taking action. Pentagon: The suspension of Kata'ib Hezbollah operations will not affect U.S. retaliatory actions. Blog | Israel warns the people of Lebanon: We will respond with full force to continued escalation by Hezbollah. On the verge of a possible U.S. retaliatory response; the Senate Republican leader called for a decisive action against the Islamic Republic. Fear in the terrorism camp; Kata'ib Hezbollah suspended military operations against American forces. Report: What groups are included in the "Iran Resistance Axis"? The White House: The attack on the U.S. base in Jordan has the characteristics of groups supported by the IRGC in Iraq. U.S. and Qatari negotiations on the process of releasing Hamas hostages.