Pentagon hints at stronger response against Iranian proxies

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks at a Pentagon press briefing at the Pentagon, Feb 1, 2024. [AP Photo]

U.S forces are preparing to hit Iran-backed proxies across the Middle East with increased intensity in response to a drone attack on a base in Jordan that killed three U.S. soldiers and injured more than 40 others.

U.S Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, speaking to reporters for the first time since he was hospitalized January 1 for complications from prostate cancer surgery, called the attack against sleeping quarters at Tower 22 in northeastern Jordan "egregious," adding such actions will not be tolerated.