© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers a prime-time address to the nation about his approaches to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, humanitarian assistance in Gaza and continued support for Ukraine in their war with Russia, from the Oval Offi
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Three U.S. service members were killed and as many as 34 wounded, United States officials said on Sunday, after a drone attack in Jordan that they linked to Iranian-backed militants.
The attack is a major escalation of the tensions in the Middle East sparked by Hamas’ attack in Israel on Oct. 7 and Israel’s retaliatory strikes that have devastated Gaza.
Here are reactions from key policy makers in the United States:
DEMOCRATIC U.S. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
“The three American service members we lost were patriots in the highest sense. And their ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten by our nation … 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.”
REPUBLICAN FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP
“The drone attack on a U.S. Military Installation in Jordan, killing 3 American service members, and wounding many more, marks a horrible day for America … This brazen attack on the United States is yet another horrific and tragic consequence of Joe Biden’s weakness and surrender.”
LLOYD AUSTIN, U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY
“Iran-backed militias are responsible for these continued attacks on U.S. forces, and we will respond at a time and place of our choosing.”
MICHAEL MCCAUL, REPUBLICAN U.S. HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS PANEL CHAIR
“We need a major reset of our Middle East policy to protect our national security interests and restore deterrence.”
MITCH MCCONNELL, SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER
“Last night, the cost of failure to deter America’s adversaries was again measured in American lives. 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. Our enemies are emboldened.”
REPRESENTATIVE HAKEEM JEFFRIES, DEMOCRATIC HOUSE MINORITY LEADER
“Every single malignant actor responsible must be held accountable.”
ROGER WICKER, REPUBLICAN U.S. SENATOR FOR MISSISSIPPI
“We must respond to these repeated attacks by Iran and its proxies by striking directly against Iranian targets and its leadership. The Biden administration’s responses thus far have only invited more attacks.” TOM COTTON, REPUBLICAN U.S. SENATOR FROM ARKANSAS
“The only answer to these attacks must be devastating military retaliation against Iran’s terrorist forces, both in Iran and across the Middle East.”
JACKY ROSEN, DEMOCRATIC U.S. SENATOR FROM NEVADA
“Iran must be held accountable.”
RICK SCOTT, REPUBLICAN U.S. SENATOR FROM FLORIDA
“Iran is blatantly questioning U.S. strength & resolve thanks to @JoeBiden’s appeasement of the world’s largest sponsor of terrorism. It must end.”
DAN SULLIVAN, REPUBLICAN U.S. SENATOR FROM ALASKA
“Iranian terrorist proxies have crossed a red line with the reported killing of 3 brave U.S. service members and wounding of dozens more.”
