Representative Brad Wenstrup, a Republican from Ohio, expressed concern on Thursday regarding President Joe Biden’s delay in reacting to Iran following a drone strike last week that resulted in the death of three American soldiers in Jordan.
Wenstrup highlighted that since the onset of the conflict between Israel and Hamas on October 7, there have been approximately 166 attacks on U.S. forces and bases in the Middle East, emphasizing that the response has been overdue. “It’s been too long for a while. Since October 7, with over 160 attacks on U.S. interests and military, the question is, what are we waiting for?” Wenstrup remarked during an interview on “The Hill” with NewsNation.
He further noted Iran’s involvement through its support of militias and groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, including funding, training, and supplying weapons. Wenstrup’s comments are timely, as Biden’s retaliation against Iran is anticipated soon. Following confirmation that the drone responsible for the American service members’ deaths was manufactured in Iran and the identification of an Iraq-based proxy group, the Islamic Resistance, as the perpetrator, it was reported that Biden has authorized strikes on Iranian personnel and installations in Syria and Iraq.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, addressing the situation, stated, “The extent of Iran’s knowledge is uncertain, but their sponsorship of these groups is undeniable. Such acts wouldn’t occur without their support.”
The U.S. has already conducted around six counterstrikes in Iraq and Syria, along with airstrikes targeting Houthi forces in Yemen, who recently attacked a Liberian-flagged vessel in the Red Sea. “We’re committed to safeguarding our troops,” Austin affirmed.
Wenstrup and his Republican colleagues are awaiting further action.
