
President Joe Biden said Iran cannot act with impunity and warned Tehran to "be careful" when asked what message he was sending the country with the US airstrikes in Syria.
"You can't act with impunity. Be careful," Biden told reporters while traveling to survey the damage from a severe winter storm in Texas.
The United States carried out airstrikes authorized by Biden against facilities belonging to Iranian-backed militia in eastern Syria on Thursday, in response to rocket attacks against US targets in Iraq.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said two F-15E "Strike Eagles" dropped seven precision-guided munitions on facilities in eastern Syria used by the militias.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Biden was sending "an unambiguous message."
"He's going to act to protect Americans and when threats are posed, he has the right to take an action at the time and in the manner of his choosing," Psaki said.