Biden Says He will Respond To Jordan Attack, But Signals Caution

President Joe Biden said on Tuesday he has made up his mind on how to respond to an attack that killed US troops in Jordan, as he voiced concern about potential escalation.

Biden, speaking to reporters as he left the White House on a campaign trip to Florida, did not elaborate on his decision, which came after consultations with top advisers at the White House.

On Sunday, Biden blamed Iran-backed militant groups for the attack, but it is not clear if he intends to retaliate directly against Iran or its proxy forces. Many lawmakers and former officials have urged a direct response to deter Tehran from further attacks. Since mid-October, the militant groups have launched 160 attacks on US troops in Iraq and Syria.

He said the United States does not need a wider war in the Middle East, echoing comments from other officials on Tuesday that the United States does not want a war with Iran.

Three days after the drone attack that killed three and injured 40 US service members, Biden has been weighing his options and the expectation has been that there will be retaliatory strikes, but the timing of the response has been unclear.

"I don't think we need a wider war in the Middle East. That's not what I'm looking for," said Biden.

Biden replied "yes" when asked if he had decided how to respond to the attacks.

Asked if Iran was responsible, Biden added: "I do hold... them responsible in the sense that they're supplying the weapons" to those who carried out the attacks.