WASHINGTON - In the aftermath of a drone attack that claimed the lives of three U.S. troops in Jordan, the United States has pledged to take "all necessary actions" to defend its forces. The attack, attributed to Iran-backed militants, marked a significant escalation in tensions, becoming the first lethal strike against U.S. troops since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October.

White House National Security spokesman John Kirby emphasized on Monday that the U.S. does not seek a broader war with Iran or in the region, stating, "We got to do what we have to do." While Iran has denied any involvement, President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have made it clear that those responsible will be held accountable.

Amid these developments, Israel launched an assault on Gaza City, targeting the Hamas-ruled enclave's largest city. The situation in Gaza has added complexity to U.S. efforts to respond to the drone attack without triggering further escalation. The Biden administration has been working to facilitate the release of over 100 hostages seized by Hamas in October.

In diplomatic efforts, CIA Director William Burns engaged with key figures in Paris, including the head of Israel's Mossad and the head of Egyptian intelligence. Qatar expressed hopes that U.S. retaliation would not undermine progress toward a new Gaza hostage-release deal, emphasizing the potential impact on regional security.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that talks in Paris raised hope for a resumption of a Qatar-mediated negotiating process. However, details of the proposed deal were not disclosed. Hamas reiterated its stance that Israel must cease its Gaza offensive and withdraw from the territory for further hostage releases.

The situation has also strained relations with the United Nations' aid agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, as several countries, including the U.S., suspended aid following allegations that some UNRWA employees doubled as Hamas or Islamic Jihad militants.

As the U.S. grapples with its response to the drone attack, questions arise about the failure to intercept the enemy drone. Officials suggest that U.S. forces may have mistaken the drone for an American one, allowing it to strike a desert base in Jordan unchallenged. The Pentagon confirmed three casualties and over 40 wounded in the attack.

President Biden emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "Have no doubt - we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing." The evolving situation underscores the challenges faced by the Biden administration in navigating a delicate balance in the Middle East and addressing the complex web of regional conflicts.