Biden has a wide range of options, but the US must walk a fine line. A weak response will do little to deter further attacks by Iranian-backed militia groups.

A major attack risks spreading unrest in the Middle East and drag the US into a broader conflict. Target options range from inside Iran, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, to Iranian vessels at sea and militia groups backed by Tehran and key militant leaders in Iraq and Syria. The US has already attacked facilities in Syria in response to militia attacks.