In a swift response to the deadly Iran-backed attack on a U.S. outpost in Jordan that claimed the lives of three American troops, the Biden Administration conducted retaliatory strikes on Iran-backed militant resources and facilities in Iraq and Syria. However, the airstrikes have stirred criticism from both the Iranian and Iraqi governments, raising concerns about a possible escalation in the already volatile region.

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, denounced the U.S. attack, warning that it would only lead to heightened tensions and instability in the region. He called the retaliatory strikes a "strategic mistake" on the part of the Biden Administration, while emphasizing that it violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria.

The repercussions of the strikes were also felt in Iraq, where Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces reported the loss of 16 members, while 23 were killed in Syria, according to Reuters. There were also reports of civilian casualties in both countries, which further fueled the outrage. The Iraqi government refuted the Biden Administration's claim of prior notification and called it an "unfounded claim crafted to mislead international public opinion."

The Iraqi government expressed deep concern over the security situation, warning that these strikes would push Iraq and the region to the brink of chaos. As a demonstration of their dissatisfaction, Iraq's Foreign Ministry summoned the U.S. chargé d'affaires to Baghdad to protest against the strikes.

The Biden Administration, however, remains resolute in its mission to prevent further attacks on U.S. personnel. The White House confirmed that these strikes were just the beginning of a series of responses aimed at dismantling the capabilities of the Iran-backed militants. "There will be additional responses. There will be additional action that we will take," stated John Kirby, White House National Security Council coordinator.

The chosen targets were carefully selected based on evidence linking them to previous attacks on U.S. forces. Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, the Director of Operations of the Joint Staff, assured reporters that the strikes hit their intended objectives. "The initial indications were that we hit exactly what we meant to hit," Sims remarked, indicating secondary explosions in ammunition and logistics locations.

However, the responses from the Iranian and Iraqi governments reflect the precarious position the United States now finds itself in. The need to strike a balance to avoid further escalation in the region is paramount. It remains to be seen how the reported civilian casualties and local opposition will influence the Biden Administration's next steps.

The White House, State Department, and Pentagon have yet to comment on the situation. Despite the tensions, U.S. officials have reassured the public that they are not seeking a wider war with Iran. The primary goal remains to quell the attacks and ensure the safety of U.S. personnel in the region.

As assessments of the damage caused by the strikes are still underway, the international community watches closely for any indications of a potential escalation or diplomatic resolution to the mounting tensions.