What We Know About US Strikes Against 85 Iran Targets In Iraq, Syria

The US conducted airstrikes on over 85 sites in Iraq and Syria as retaliation for a drone strike that killed three US soldiers in Jordan.

These strikes targeted Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds force and related militias. At least 18 pro-Iranian fighters were killed, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

President Biden, who seeks to avoid conflict in the Middle East, did not target individuals or Iran directly. The action was in response to attacks from pro-Iran militias and heightened tensions following a significant attack by Hamas on Israel, which receives support from Iran.

Despite military actions, diplomatic efforts persist to contain the conflict. Biden indicates the US will respond further as necessary, and while a pro-Iran Iraqi group pledged to cease attacks on US troops, the US remains skeptical.

Previous to October 7, the frequency of attacks on US forces had decreased following US-Iranian discussions. Iran appears to enjoy Arab support for backing Hamas, although it seemingly wishes to avoid a full-scale conflict with the US.