In recent interviews with defense sources and experts, it has been revealed that Tower 22, an American military base in Jordan, has taken on a new role in supporting hostilities with Iran-aligned groups. Despite the Biden administration's insistence on not wanting war with Iran, the base's mission shift from fighting ISIS to combatting groups linked with Iran has not been acknowledged by the Defense Department.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that the troops stationed at Tower 22 were deployed there to work towards the lasting defeat of ISIS. While U.S. forces continue to operate in Syria under the legal basis of Operation Inherent Resolve, experts suggest that countering ISIS may not be the primary focus anymore.

Brian Finucane, a former State Department legal adviser and current member of the International Crisis Group, noted that there is little evidence to support the claim that Tower 22 is primarily focused on countering ISIS. This raises questions about the continued presence of U.S. troops in the region, especially since ISIS was driven out from their strongholds years ago.

According to Finucane, former President Donald Trump intended to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria, as he believed that ISIS had been defeated. However, Trump was reportedly outmaneuvered by hawks, like his national security adviser at the time, John Bolton, who aimed to maintain the troop presence but with a new focus on countering Iran.

Tower 22 also serves the purpose of providing support to Al-Tanf, a nearby U.S. military base in Syria officially tasked with combating ISIS. However, a report by the Pentagon inspector general last year revealed that there were no combat incidents involving coalition forces at Al-Tanf. This suggests a diminished role for both bases in the fight against ISIS.

The lack of combat engagement at Al-Tanf raises doubts about the purpose of Tower 22's support facility. Finucane argues that if Al-Tanf does not serve a counter-ISIS function, it is difficult to justify a support facility for the base.

The inspector general report, which covered data until September 30, preceded an attack on Tower 22 by an Iranian-aligned group. This attack was motivated by U.S. support for Israel during Israel's retaliatory war in Gaza, according to previous reports. The intensification of conflict with Iranian-backed groups in the region has posed a dilemma for the U.S., as these groups were not originally part of the anti-ISIS coalition's target.

In response, the Pentagon has framed military operations against these groups as defensive in nature, necessary for force protection under the legal basis of the anti-ISIS mission. The Defense Department recently announced the killing of a militia commander suspected of participating in attacks on U.S. forces in the region, likely referencing the incident at Tower 22.

The Pentagon emphasizes that the United States will continue to take necessary action to protect its personnel and hold accountable those who threaten the safety of its forces.

With concerns about the lack of acknowledgment of the new mission at Tower 22 and the inadequate air defenses at the base, questions arise about the legal basis for U.S. troops remaining in Syria and their continued involvement in countering Iranian-aligned groups.

The Defense Department has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.