Jordan Drone attack: Concern Gaza conflict could spread after US troops hit
A deadly drone attack in Jordan that US officials have linked to Iranian-backed militants marks a major escalation of the tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.
Here are reactions from key policymakers in the United States and other countries:
DEMOCRATIC US PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“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 US military installation in Jordan, killing three 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, US DEFENCE SECRETARY
“Iran-backed militias are responsible for these continued attacks on US forces, and we will respond at a time and place of our choosing.”
MICHAEL MCCAUL, REPUBLICAN US 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 behaviour. Our enemies are emboldened.”
REPRESENTATIVE HAKEEM JEFFRIES, DEMOCRATIC HOUSE MINORITY LEADER
“Every single malignant actor responsible must be held accountable.”
EGYPT’S FOREIGN MINISTRY
“Egypt affirmed its strong condemnation of any terrorist acts that threaten the security and stability of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, expressing full solidarity with Jordan in this delicate situation... Egypt emphasised the necessity of confronting all forms of terrorism and rejecting all manifestations of violence to ensure the stability of the region.”
ISRAEL’S FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER ISRAEL KATZ
“We stand united in our values and battle against a common enemy. Their sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.”
ROGER WICKER, REPUBLICAN US 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 US 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 US SENATOR FROM NEVADA
“Iran must be held accountable.”
RICK SCOTT, REPUBLICAN U.S. SENATOR FROM FLORIDA
“Iran is blatantly questioning US strength and resolve thanks to @JoeBiden’s appeasement of the world’s largest sponsor of terrorism. It must end.”
DAN SULLIVAN, REPUBLICAN US SENATOR FROM ALASKA
“Iranian terrorist proxies have crossed a red line with the reported killing of three brave US service members and wounding of dozens more.”
