Tensions are rising in the Middle East, with Russia urging measures to calm the situation and China warning against a “cycle of retaliation.” In response to a drone attack in Jordan, the US vowed to defend its forces, despite stating it doesn’t seek war with Iran. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday vowed the US would take “all necessary actions” to defend its troops after a deadly drone attack in Jordan by Iran-backed militants, even as President Joe Biden’s administration stressed it was not seeking a war with Iran.
Continuous downpours due to the Northeast monsoon and a Low-Pressure Area have caused severe damage to roads and bridges in Davao Oriental. Landslides, soil erosions, and bridge collapses have been reported in several municipalities, leading to impassable roads and ongoing flash floods.
Iranian commentators warned Tuesday of a US military retaliation after Washington pledged a "very consequential" response to troop deaths, but largely agreed full-blown war was not in the offing.US President Joe Biden blamed "radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq" for Sunday's drone strike on a remote Jordan desert base near Syria and Iraq that killed three US forces.