Central Command announced Sunday that three U.S. soldiers were killed following a drone attack on a military base in Jordan. They were joined by another 25 wounded soldiers who were hit during the aggression, which came from terrorist groups supported by Iran. This caused many Republicans in Congress to pressure Joe Biden to respond.
The White House reacted in a statement released the same day, in which it promised to honor the lives of the fallen soldiers.
"The three American service members we lost were patriots in the highest sense. And their ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten by our nation. Together, we will keep the sacred obligation we bear to their families. We will strive to be worthy of their honor and valor. We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt — we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing," the letter stated.
"Hit Iran now. Hit them hard"
Some prominent Republicans, especially in the Senate, reacted to the attacks by first deploring the situation and urging the president to retaliate against Iran urgently.
Within the first group was Marco Rubio (R-FL), who regretted that the White House had not previously listened to his warnings. "Two months ago I warned that if Biden didn't impose direct consequences on Iran these attacks would spread beyond Syria & Iraq & kill Americans. Tragically it has now happened just as I warned," he wrote on his X account, formerly known as Twitter.
Two months ago I warned that if Biden didn’t impose direct consequences on Iran these attacks would spread beyond Syria & Iraq & kill Americans
Tragically it has now happened just as I warned https://t.co/soeuFwmwGM
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 28, 2024
Lindsey Graham (R-SC) was another of the senators to react, but unlike Rubio, he called for a direct response against Iran.
"The Biden Administration can take out all the Iranian proxies they like, but it will not deter Iranian aggression. 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 noted, also on his X account.
I am sending my condolences to the families of our fallen heroes in Jordan. I am also wishing a full recovery to those injured. Our forces in Jordan and Syria are there to protect the American homeland and to provide stability in a troubled region. Their service and sacrifice…
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 28, 2024
John Cornyn (R-TX) expressed himself along the same lines and used fewer words than his colleague to ask for precisely the same thing. "Target Tehran," he posted on his social media.
Target Tehran https://t.co/KLzQC9zRC0
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) January 28, 2024
Lastly, Tom Cotton (R-AK) detailed his reaction in a statement released on Sunday, holding the Democratic president directly responsible for what happened in Jordan. "Joe Biden emboldened Iran for years by tolerating attacks on our troops, bribing the ayatollahs with billions of dollars, and appeasing them to no end," he began.
"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," the Republican said.
My statement following the Iran-backed attacks in Jordan that killed three U.S. service members and injured 25: pic.twitter.com/L8ckks5ch4
— Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) January 28, 2024
