In the wake of a deadly terrorist attack on U.S. soldiers, reportedly orchestrated by an Iranian-backed group, U.S. Senators from both sides of the aisle are urging President Joe Biden to take decisive military action against Iran. The attack occurred at a military base near the Syria border in northeast Jordan, resulting in the death of three U.S. service members and injuring more than 30 others.
The U.S. Central Command confirmed the unfortunate event, attributing it to “radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.” This statement was echoed by President Biden, who also held the Iran-supported factions responsible for the deadly incident.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) was forthright in his call for retaliation. He urged the Biden administration to “strike targets of significance inside Iran,” not only as retribution for the tragic loss of American lives but also as a deterrent against future aggression. His sentiments were amplified by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who lamented that the administration’s perceived weakness was costing American lives.
Senators across the political divide concurred with the need for a strong response. Democratic Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) were among those insisting that Iran must be held accountable. Republican Senators Rick Scott (FL), Markwayne Mullin (OK), and Shelley Moore Capito (WV) echoed this sentiment, calling for immediate action and a clear message to Iran.
Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) went further, specifically targeting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the IRGC’s Quds Force (IRGC-QF). They blamed President Biden for emboldening Iran through years of tolerance and appeasement, leaving American troops vulnerable to such attacks.
Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) pointed fingers directly at the Biden administration, accusing it of enabling the Iranian regime to attack Americans and American interests across the Middle East. He called for an immediate reversal of the administration’s policies, claiming they had led to the weekend’s deadly attack.
However, amid the calls for decisive military action, there was also a note of caution. Senators on both sides stressed the need for a careful response that would hold Iran accountable without escalating the situation further. They underscored that any action taken should aim to deter future attacks and maintain the safety of American troops.
