In response to the deadly attack against US troops in Jordan, the US National Security Council has discussed the possibility of strikes in Iran. National security adviser Jake Sullivan did not rule out the option during an interview on ABC's "This Week".

Sullivan emphasized that if Tehran were to directly respond to the United States, they would face a swift and forceful retaliation. The strikes come following the drone attack at the Tower 22 base in Jordan on January 27, which claimed the lives of three US soldiers.

Airstrikes on Iranian militants in Iraq and Syria began on Friday, followed by additional air and missile strikes on the Houthis in Yemen the next day. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that the recent strikes were just the first round of a planned response against the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and the groups it supports.

Kirby further indicated that President Biden has increased the aggressiveness of their responses to specifically target the IRGC. He assured that Friday night's strikes were not the end of it, and there would be more action to come.

Sullivan appeared on multiple Sunday morning talk shows to discuss the administration's response. He expressed the intention to take additional strikes and actions, emphasizing the need to send a clear message that the US will not tolerate attacks on its forces or loss of life.

The decision by President Biden to bypass Congress and take military action has faced criticism from some members of Congress. Kirby defended the president's decision, stating that he was acting within his Article II responsibilities as commander in chief. The aim of these self-defense actions is to prevent further targeting of US troops and facilities by these armed groups.

Sullivan reiterated that the strikes had a positive effect in reducing and degrading the capabilities of the militias and the Houthis. He also acknowledged the reports of civilian casualties resulting from the strikes in Iraq, stating that they were continuing to assess the battle damage. However, he maintained that the targets hit were believed to be valid military targets, such as ammunition depots and command and control centers.

As the US military remains on high alert, anticipating potential retaliation from the Houthis or militias in Iraq and Syria, President Biden has instructed military commanders to be ready to respond to any further attacks.

The situation remains fluid, and the US National Security Council continues to monitor developments closely as they consider their next steps in the region.