Lloyd Austin Warns Islamic Republic: If Attacks on American Personnel Do Not Stop, We Will Take Further Steps

Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, stated that the United States has previously attacked a site "used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps" in Syria, and if the attacks by Iranian-backed militias on American personnel continue, the U.S. will not hesitate to take further actions to protect its forces. In part of his remarks on Tuesday in the Senate, Austin emphasized that the U.S. will continue to protect its personnel in the region. He noted, "American personnel have been attacked by Iranian-backed militias in recent days, and these attacks must stop." These comments from the U.S. Secretary of Defense came after Hossein Amir-Abdollahian claimed that the Islamic Republic has no proxy groups in the Middle East. Austin, along with Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, appeared in the Senate to support President Joe Biden's request for an additional $106 billion in national security funding, which includes aid for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. Secretary Blinken, in his speech, linked Russia's attack on Ukraine and Hamas's actions against Israel, pointing to the role of the Islamic Republic. He stated that Russia has turned to Iran for military assistance, and in exchange for military aid from Iran, it has provided Iran with advanced military technologies, which he claimed has increased the threat to Israel. Blinken warned that allowing Russia to succeed in Ukraine would only embolden both Russia and the Islamic Republic. He described Israel and Ukraine as "two democracies under relentless attack by actors who want to erase their countries from the map." Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, has repeatedly called for the complete destruction of Israel. Blinken mentioned that the requested budget would help Israel secure necessary items, including missiles for its air defense. Since Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, Palestinian groups in Gaza have fired thousands of rockets at Israel. Blinken asserted that while Israel has the right and duty to defend itself, the manner in which it does so is also important, and the U.S. has advised Israeli officials to act under international humanitarian and warfare laws. He noted that U.S. congressional aid has strengthened global support for Ukraine and the principles of the UN Charter, which include "sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence." The new immediate budget request also includes humanitarian aid for Ukraine, Gaza, and Armenia. Blinken stated that Hamas has made civilians its "human shield," and preventing a humanitarian crisis aligns with U.S. principles, emphasizing that the lives of all civilians are equally valuable. In another part of his remarks, Austin described Hamas's attack as ruthless, disgusting, and reminiscent of "ISIS atrocities in Iraq and Syria," as noted by the former commander of U.S. Central Command. He reiterated that as President Biden has stated, "Every democracy will respond decisively to such a heinous terrorist attack." Austin acknowledged that "Hamas is not the representative of the Palestinians, and we mourn the deaths of Palestinian civilians." He emphasized that during his visit to Israel, he made it clear that protecting Palestinian civilians is "a moral duty and a strategic necessity." He stated that democracies like the U.S. will be stronger and safer by adhering to the laws of war and protecting civilians. Austin confirmed that under the President's orders, the U.S. has conducted precise attacks on sites "used by the IRGC and its affiliates" in eastern Syria. He warned that if Iranian-backed forces continue their attacks, the U.S. will not hesitate to take further steps to protect its personnel. Austin mentioned that the U.S. has strengthened air defenses in the region and is providing military assistance, including precision missiles and air defense systems, to Israel, and is working to free hostages, including American hostages held by Hamas. In another part of his remarks, without naming a specific country or group, he indicated that the U.S. has reinforced its military presence to deter any state or non-state actor that seeks to expand the war beyond Gaza. He reiterated the clear warning from President Biden that no state or group seeking to harm Israel should expand this war. He stated, "We will not allow Hamas or Putin to win." He emphasized that "only strong U.S. leadership will ensure that tyrants and thugs" and terrorists will not commit further aggressions. He noted that how these issues are handled will determine the security conditions of the world for years to come. Austin also remarked that what is happening in Ukraine and Israel affects U.S. national security. He mentioned that on October 7, Hamas killed at least 1,400 Israelis and 36 Americans and took over 200 hostages. Their speeches were interrupted several times by a group of activists. Blinken acknowledged the activists' protests in his remarks, stating that the people of Gaza need essential needs, and the U.S. is working in this regard, emphasizing that the lives of innocent people matter to the U.S. The U.S., Japan, and the European Union are among the countries that have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.