(CNN) — US President Joe Biden said Friday, in his first public remarks after directing an airstrike on Iranian facilities in Syria, that the United States “will respond forcefully to protect Americans under attack, but it does not seek conflict with Iran.”
Biden added, during remarks in Canada, where he is on a two-day visit: We are protecting our people strongly, “and he went on:” This is exactly what happened last night, and we will continue our efforts to confront terrorist threats in the region.
The US President extended his “deepest condolences” to the family of the American contractor who was killed after an Iranian drone bombed on Thursday a facility housing Americans in Syria.
Biden said he wished a “speedy recovery” to those injured in the attack, and expressed gratitude for the “professionalism of those who responded to the Iranian drone attack.”