U.S. plans retaliatory strikes after drone attack by Iran-backed militants

Tensions are soaring in the Middle East.

The latest concerns involve Iran, after a militia group they support claimed responsibility for a deadly drone attack at a U.S. military base in Jordan.

U.S. forces may have mistaken an enemy drone for an American one and let it pass unchallenged.

Details of the attack are emerging as president Joe Biden blames Iran and says he has decided on a response – raising fears of a broader conflict.

U.S. forces have been operating in the area after a series of attacks by Houthi militants on vessels passing through the Red Sea.

For more background on the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, we’re joined by David Welch – research chair and professor of political science at the University of Waterloo.