US Holds Back on Further Airstrikes in Syria Amid Tensions with Iran-Linked Groups

The Biden administration has held off on further airstrikes in Syria after retaliating against Iran-backed militias for a drone attack that killed a US civilian contractor and injured six others. While officials say the military is ready to respond to new threats, they are seeking to avoid a wider war with Iran and its proxies while protecting US personnel. The administration is also focused on helping root out pockets of Islamic State fighters in the region. Some analysts worry that the back-and-forth strikes could derail diplomatic efforts to lower tensions in the Middle East.