"Iran's Allies and the Mounting Risks: What Happens Next?"

The United States and Iran are both expressing a desire to avoid a full-scale war, but escalating tensions and recent attacks by Tehran-backed militants have raised concerns about the risk of conflict. President Biden has vowed retaliation for the killing of three American soldiers in a drone strike, but the targets and extent of the response remain unclear. Iran's use of proxy militias in the region has complicated the situation, with experts warning of the potential for miscalculation and escalation. The recent attack in Jordan has increased pressure on the U.S. to respond more forcefully, while Iran sees the attacks as a way to force the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq. Both sides may be misreading each other's willingness to engage in direct confrontation, raising the risk of further escalation.