U.S. Senators have been calling for the U.S. to take direct military action against Iran after an Iranian-backed terrorist group carried out an attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan, killing three people.
U.S Central Command revealed on Sunday that a one-way drone strike was carried out on on a base in northeast Jordan, close to the Syria border, killing three U.S. service members and injuring 25.
According to President Joe Biden, the attack was “carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.”
In response to the attack, U.S. senators on both side of the aisle have asked the Biden administration to hold Iran responsible for the article.
One of the most vocal senators on the issue is Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), saying, “I am calling on the Biden Administration to strike targets of significance inside Iran, not only as reprisal for the killing of our forces, but as deterrence against future aggression.”
“Hit Iran now. Hit them hard,” he added.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) also called for action, slamming President Joe Biden for reacting weakly to the situation.
“We cannot afford to keep responding to this violent aggression with hesitation and half-measures. The entire world now watches for signs that the President is finally prepared to exercise American strength to compel Iran to change its behavior,” he stated.
“Our enemies are emboldened. And they will remain so until the United States imposes serious, crippling costs – not only on front-line terrorist proxies, but on their Iranian sponsors who wear American blood as a badge of honor,” he added.
For Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), it is time for the U.S. government to take clear and decisive action to hold Iran accountable “for the malign activities of its proxies.”
Enough is enough.
The Biden administration’s appeasement of Iran must end.
It’s time for clear and decisive action, and Iran must be held accountable for the malign activities of its proxies.
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) January 28, 2024
Weighing in on the issue, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) condemned Biden for condoning attacks on U.S. troops, consequently emboldening Iran.
“He left our troops as sitting ducks and now three are dead and dozens wounded, sadly as I’ve predicted would happen for months. The only answer to these attacks must be devastating military retaliation against Iran’s terrorist forces, both in Iran and across the Middle East. Anything less will confirm Joe Biden as a coward unworthy of being commander-in-chief,” he stated.
On the Democratic side of things, Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NV) and Sen. Jack Rosen (D-NV) stated that the culprit “must be held accountable.”
My heart is shattered after news that three U.S. servicemembers were killed and dozens wounded from an attack launched by proxies of Iran’s regime. We will never forget their bravery, valor, and service to our nation. Iran must be held accountable.
— Senator Jacky Rosen (@SenJackyRosen) January 28, 2024