Iran 'raises air defences to maximum readiness' amid WW3 fear after drone attack

29 January 2024 , 00:12

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Iran's religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Image: Getty Images)

Iran has raised its air defenses to 'maximum readiness' amid chilling new fears of a global conflict, say reports.

Three US army soldiers were killed and at least two dozen service personnel injured after an overnight drone attack, which struck the living quarters of a small US outpost in Northeast Jordan, say officials. They were the first troops to be killed amid months-long airstrikes against US soldiers across the Middle East by Iranian-backed groups during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

US President Biden condemned the killings in a statement, saying the attack "was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq." The deaths were confirmed by the US Central Command this weekend, mourning 25 service members who were injured during the "one way" drone attack that was dealt to the base, which is located near the border with Syria.

Joe Biden condemned the killings (AFP via Getty Images)

Now, Middle Eastern news service Alhadath has reported on X, formerly Twitter, that Iranian officials have claimed that the country's air defences are at 'maximum readiness.' In a statement, President Biden vowed to "hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing."

He lamented the loss of American "warriors," denouncing the strike as despicable and unjust. He said: "Today, America’s heart is heavy. Last night, three U.S. service members were killed—and many wounded—during an unmanned aerial drone attack on our forces stationed in northeast Jordan near the Syria border. While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq."

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Meanwhile, Donald Trump went on to claim on his own TruthSocial website " we are on the brink of World War 3 " and blasted Joe Biden in a furious rant. He claims the attack in Jordan, which the White House is pinning on Iran-backed, radical militants, would never have happened if he were still the President.

Donald Trump issued a tirade on his own social media site (ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

He said: "The drone attack on a U.S. Military Installation in Jordan, killing 3 American Servicemembers, and wounding many more, marks a horrible day for America. My most profound sympathies go to the Families of the Brave Servicemembers we have lost. I ask all Americans to join me in praying for those who have been wounded. This brazen attack on the United States is yet another horrific and tragic consequence of Joe Biden’s weakness and surrender."

The attack took place in the northeast of Jordan near the Syrian border, US Central Command said. American troops have long used the country as a basing point - with some 3,000 soldiers typically stationed there.

Following the attack, some experts urged the US to be cautious about directly attacking Iran over fears this might spark World War Three. Ex-UN weapons inspector David Albright warned Biden that a hit on the rogue state could spark a nuclear conflict.

William Walker