As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, President Joe Biden is facing increasing pressure to take action following the deaths of three American soldiers.
The president has explicitly blamed Iran for the attack and is considering what action to take in response. However, some Democrats are concerned that this could distract from Biden’s domestic agenda, while Republicans are pushing for a swift response to the attack.
At a White House briefing on Monday, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby warned that the US would not act in haste, stating: “We do not seek another war. We do not seek to escalate. But we will absolutely do what is required.” Kirby went on to say that the US would take into account the fact that the group responsible for the attack was backed by Tehran.
This attack represents a significant moment for Biden’s presidency, as it marks the first time American military lives have been lost in the region since Oct. 7. The president has remained out of the public eye, with officials stating that he is unlikely to comment publicly until a decision on retaliation has been made.
The attack took place at a base in Jordan near the Syria border, an area that has been fraught with tensions for years. Biden’s administration has been closely monitoring the situation, and this latest attack is likely to increase pressure on the president to take action. However, the decision is made more complex by the delicate balance of power in the region and the potential for further conflict.
While some Republicans are calling for a swift response, others are urging caution, mindful of the potential for a full-scale war. Additionally, some Democrats are concerned that foreign events could overshadow Biden’s domestic agenda, which includes infrastructure and voting rights reform.