A recent surge in attacks on deployed U.S. forces has provoked frustration and concern within the Defense Department. Defense officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, have expressed their dismay over what they perceive as an incoherent strategy for countering the Iranian proxies believed to be responsible for the attacks. Additionally, they have acknowledged that the limited retaliatory airstrikes approved by President Biden have failed to effectively curtail the violence.

According to one defense official, the absence of a clear definition of what the U.S. is trying to deter has exacerbated the problem. "Are we trying to deter future Iranian attacks like this? Well, that's clearly not working," the official lamented.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians over the past six weeks, has intensified anger in the Middle East towards U.S. support for Israel. This growing resentment has raised concerns among President Biden and his deputies that any excessive response to the attacks on U.S. personnel could potentially ignite a larger conflict.

In tandem with the airstrikes, the administration has repeatedly urged Tehran to rein in the militia groups it supports. Officials have warned that the United States has the right to respond "at a time and place of our choosing." However, these warnings have gone unheeded.

The attacks on U.S. troops have been steadily increasing since the start of the Israel-Gaza war, with a total of 61 incidents reported between October 17 and November 17. The uptick in violence has prompted renewed discussions and evaluations of the current strategy in place.

As tensions escalate, the Defense Department is under pressure to address the mounting concerns and develop a more effective approach for countering the Iranian proxies. The need for a clear and comprehensive definition of deterrence is seen as vital in order to curtail the continuing attacks on U.S. personnel.

The Biden administration remains mindful of the potential consequences of a hasty or overzealous response, especially considering the already volatile situation in the wider Middle East. Striking a balance between defending U.S. personnel and avoiding actions that might deepen regional tensions will be a delicate task for the administration going forward.

Both the Defense Department and the administration continue to evaluate the situation and explore alternative strategies to effectively address the ongoing threats to U.S. troops in the region.