In a virtual press briefing on Monday, the White House addressed the increasing threats faced by U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, highlighting the heightened risk following a suspected Israeli airstrike that resulted in the deaths of several Iranian personnel near the Iranian embassy in Damascus last week.

While National Security Council Strategic Communicators Coordinator John Kirby refrained from disclosing specific intelligence matters, he reiterated the United States' commitment to supporting Israel's self-defense against direct threats from Iran, which have been publicly declared. The U.S. is also taking necessary measures to protect its own personnel in the region.

Kirby emphasized that American troops and diplomatic staff in Iraq and Syria face constant threats, and the appropriate force protection measures are being implemented to ensure their safety amidst evolving threats. He further highlighted that many of the groups responsible for these attacks are supported and funded by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces.

The IRGC, along with its elite Quds Force, operates internationally and collaborates with an alliance of militias known as the "Axis of Resistance," which includes groups active in Iraq and Syria. These factions have been targeting both Israel and U.S. troops, with Israel retaliating by targeting Iran-aligned units in Syria as part of a long-standing covert campaign.

The recent incident at the Iranian embassy in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of two top IRGC commanders and several other personnel, has raised concerns of a severe response from Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, during his visit to Damascus, warned of an assured punishment for the Zionist regime (Israel) and criticized the United States for its support of Israel's actions.

Iran's top officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi, have asserted that the attack will not go unanswered. However, no details regarding the timing, location, or method of retaliation have been disclosed.

Efforts to seek a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas have also been ongoing, with Tehran being urged to pressure Hamas to accept a new proposal put forth during talks mediated by Qatar in Egypt.

The unofficial ceasefire between the Axis of Resistance groups and U.S. forces has largely held since President Joe Biden ordered strikes against militias in Iraq and Syria in response to the killing of three American troops in January. Discussions about the future of the U.S. military presence in Iraq are also anticipated to take place during Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's upcoming visit to Washington.

As tensions continue to escalate, the White House emphasizes the substantial threat faced by U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria and vows to take all necessary measures to ensure their safety. The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Note: This news article is generated based on the information provided and might not contain all the details of the developing situation.