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Republican lawmakers are intensifying pressure on President Biden to retaliate against Iran for the recent attack in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of three US service members and injured at least two dozen others.
President Biden, attributing the strike to “radical Iran-backed militant groups,” confirmed the deaths and injuries of US troops. The Pentagon described the incident as a “One-Way ‘Suicide’ Drone Attack on a Patrol Base” near the borders of Syria and Iraq in northeastern Jordan.
Republican members of Congress swiftly criticized the Biden administration for what they perceived as inadequate responses to past Iranian-linked attacks, urging more decisive action. House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) expressed sadness over the drone strike and labeled it a direct consequence of the administration’s “failure” to respond to previous attacks. He added, “The Biden Administration must take serious action against Iran and the terrorist groups that they’re funding to attack American troops and military bases.”
Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Marco Rubio (R-FL) echoed these sentiments, criticizing President Biden for not imposing “direct consequences” on Iran. In a post on X, Rubio warned that without direct action, such attacks would continue and escalate.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-TX) and House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers (R-AL) also called for a stronger stance against Iran, with Rogers stating it’s time to hold the Iranian regime accountable. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) criticized the Biden administration’s approach to Iran, calling for a clear message that attacks on US troops will not be tolerated.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) suggested that the world awaits a firm response from President Biden. Sen. Roger Wicker (MS) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) also criticized the administration’s responses to recent attacks, with Graham urging strikes against significant targets inside Iran.
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White House spokesperson Andrew Bates dismissed these criticisms as politicizing national security, contending that the Republicans’ approach is illogical and detrimental. Bates also highlighted the lack of criticism from these officials during similar attacks under the previous administration.
