In a response to a drone attack that killed three US soldiers in Jordan, the US has approved plans for a series of strikes on Iranian targets in Syria and Iraq, according to officials cited by CBS News. The strikes are expected to take place over several days, with the timing dependent on weather conditions.

The US blames an Iranian-backed militia group, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, for the attack on its soldiers. This group is believed to consist of multiple militias that have received support from Iran's Revolutionary Guards force. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the strike, although Iran denies any involvement.

US intelligence indicates that the drone used in the attack was manufactured by Iran, as reported by Reuters. In a press conference, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed that the US will not tolerate attacks on American troops and will take necessary actions to defend the country and its people. He emphasized that the US will respond in its own chosen time, place, and manner.

The exact timeline for the strikes has not been disclosed by officials, who mention that weather conditions and visibility will be considered to minimize civilian casualties. The approved plans suggest that the targeting will be limited to Iranian targets in Syria and Iraq, rather than inside Iran.

Pressure has been mounting on President Joe Biden to take action against Iran, particularly from Republican lawmakers. However, the Biden administration has stated that it does not seek a wider war with Iran or an escalation of tensions in the region.

Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict in early October, Iran-backed groups have increased attacks on US and Israeli-linked entities. This has led to retaliatory strikes by the US and its allies. Recent developments indicate that Iran has withdrawn senior officials from Syria, possibly to avoid being directly involved in a broader conflict.

US officials have expressed concerns about the actions of Iranian proxy groups in the region, who have launched over 160 attacks on US forces since October. The bodies of the three US soldiers killed in the drone attack are scheduled to be repatriated to a Delaware Air Force base, with President Biden planning to attend.

In other news, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed that he had not informed President Biden about his cancer diagnosis. Additionally, President Biden has imposed sanctions on four Israeli settlers accused of attacking Palestinians. Tragically, a separate incident at Boise Airport resulted in three deaths and five critically injured individuals.