Some Republicans Call For U.S. Strikes Against Iran—But Most Back Off

Although congressional Republicans were quick to criticize President Joe Biden’s response to Iran’s drone attack on Israel, most have resisted calling for the U.S. to respond militarily—indicating support for a wider attack on Iran, and U.S. involvement in it, may be weak.

After the attack began on Saturday, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., said the U.S. “must move quickly and launch aggressive retaliatory strikes on Iran”—one of only a few GOP leaders to advocate a direct attack against the Islamic Republic.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Biden should “lead an international effort to impose sufficient costs on Tehran to compel an end to its aggression and terror,” while Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said the U.S. should “back Israel to the hilt”—but neither called for direct retaliation.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said he would “engage with the White House to insist upon a proper response,” but did not provide details on what that response would entail.