American soldiers were killed in a recent attack on a US military base in Jordan, raising concerns about escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. While the exact perpetrators have yet to be determined, Democratic Congressman Jim Himes of Connecticut, the ranking Democrat on the House Select Committee on Intelligence, stated that Iran was operating with the knowledge and permission of the Iranian government. He emphasized the importance of a strong response to deter future attacks without triggering a full-blown conflict.
Himes acknowledged that Iranian proxies have been targeting US military bases for some time, but this attack marked a significant escalation with the loss of American lives. He argued that Iran had crossed a line and suggested that a response was necessary. However, he also cautioned against actions that could inadvertently harm innocent Iranian civilians or push the region closer to a war.
Former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley called for President Biden to target the leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Himes responded by acknowledging the need to inflict pain on the IRGC, but expressed doubt about the feasibility and wisdom of assassinating Iranian leaders or conducting strikes inside Iran. He urged a more strategic approach that targeted the infrastructure and capabilities of Iranian proxies such as militias in Syria and the Houthis in Yemen.
Himes further highlighted the challenge of dealing with the Houthis, stating that they show no regard for human life, including their own. He called for a response that not only conveyed a message but also disabled their missile and drone launching sites, as deterrence alone would likely prove insufficient.
President Biden had previously stated that he had already conveyed a message to Iran to refrain from provocative actions, but the recent attack has called into question whether Iran truly heeds this warning. Himes expressed doubts about Iran's willingness to comply and suggested that a comprehensive response should include targeting capabilities of Iranian proxies.
The congressman emphasized the need for a balanced and careful approach that sends a strong signal to Iran without exacerbating tensions or leading to unintended consequences. As the situation continues to evolve, policymakers must carefully consider the best course of action to maintain stability in the region while holding those responsible for the attack accountable.
