Biden's Struggle to Deter Attacks on US Troops Reveals a Divided Response

The Biden administration is facing criticism and internal divisions as attacks on deployed U.S. forces by Iranian proxies continue to escalate. Frustration is growing within the Defense Department over what officials perceive as an incoherent strategy to counter these attacks, with limited retaliatory airstrikes failing to deter future incidents. The surge in violence comes amid heightened anger in the Middle East over U.S. support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Concerns about overreacting and inciting a wider conflict have restrained the U.S. response. Despite repeated warnings, Iran has not reined in the militia groups it supports. The attacks on U.S. troops have increased in frequency, raising fears that it is only a matter of time before a service member is killed. The Pentagon is exploring response options, but there are few good alternatives that do not risk further escalation.