Political pressure on President Joe Biden
Pressure Mounts on Biden Following Killing of US Troops and injuries to dozens by Iran-backed militants on Sunday intensify political pressure on President Joe Biden. Calls are growing for him to take direct action against Iran. However, Biden has been hesitant, fearing it could lead to a more extensive conflict.
Targeting Iranian Forces:
Biden has various response options, including targeting Iranian forces inside or outside Iran or a cautious attack against Iran-backed militants. U.S. forces in the Middle East faced over 150 attacks by Iran-backed forces since October, but Sunday’s attack, resulting in U.S. casualties, provides Biden with political leeway for retaliation without risking a direct war with Tehran. Biden pledged a response without specifying details.
Republicans Criticism:
Republicans claim Biden left U.S. forces vulnerable, as a drone struck a base, prompting calls for military retaliation against Iran. Senator Tom Cotton advocates striking Iran’s terrorist forces extensively.
Action against Tehran:
Representative Mike Rogers, a leading Republican, calls for action against Tehran, urging President Biden to hold Iran accountable for attacks. Former President Trump blames Biden’s weakness for the attack. The Biden administration asserts its commitment to protecting U.S. troops globally. Democrat Representative Barbara Lee expresses concern about the Israel-Hamas conflict escalating into a regional war, calling for a ceasefire.
Not so Simple:
Democratic Representative Seth Moulton, a Marine veteran, warns against Republican calls for war, emphasizing the difficulty of deterrence and urging a strategic, timely response. He challenges those advocating war to consider the impact on their own sons and daughters.
Expert’s caution:
Experts warn that striking Iranian forces within Iran may trigger a forceful response, potentially escalating the situation into a major Middle East war. Jonathan Lord from the Center for a New American Security suggests that overt actions raise concerns for Iran’s regime survival. Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute anticipates a likely response targeting a significant individual or high-value militant linked to Iran-backed groups in Iraq or Syria. Despite the severity of the recent attack, Lister doubts the current administration will take the bait and opt for direct action within Iran.
A U.S. defense official, preferring anonymity, expressed uncertainty about the consequences of targeting Iran, highlighting the potential for unintended outcomes. The official questioned the strategic value of attacking Iran unless the U.S. is ready for an all-out war. Despite this, experts, including Jonathan Lord, recognize Israel’s persistent strikes on Iranian targets in Syria over the years. These actions, including a recent strike in Damascus on Jan. 20, have not deterred Iran, suggesting the complex and challenging nature of such military engagements.
United States struck Iranian-linked targets
Recent months have seen the United States targeting Iranian-linked sites outside Iran, including a November strike on a facility used by Iran-backed groups and the Revolutionary Guard Corps. Charles Lister notes historical instances, such as the 2020 strike on General Qassem Soleimani, where the U.S. actions prompted a response from Iran within a limited timeframe. Lister suggests that a robust and high-level approach has, in the past, compelled Iran to reconsider its stance.
