U.S. Senators' Resolution on the Necessity of Confronting the Islamic Republic and Its Proxy Forces

Several Democratic and Republican senators in the U.S. Congress, in a joint resolution, urged the Biden administration to keep all options, including military options against Iran, on the table in case of intensified attacks by Iranian proxy forces against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria or Hezbollah's attempts to escalate the war in northern Israel. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, told reporters that this statement, which he, Richard Blumenthal (Democrat – Connecticut), Dan Sullivan (Republican – Alaska), Katie Britt (Republican – Alabama), John Thune (Republican – South Dakota), Susan Collins (Republican – Maine), Jackie Rosen (Democrat – Nevada), Joe Manchin (Democrat – West Virginia), and Kirsten Gillibrand (Democrat – New York) signed, calls on the Biden administration to keep all options, including military options against Iran, on the table in the event of intensified attacks by the Islamic Republic's proxy forces against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria or Hezbollah's attempts to escalate the war in northern Israel. Graham stated that although this resolution calls for peace, it is also prepared to hold the Islamic Republic accountable for terrorist activities and any escalation of tensions. The resolution also encourages Saudi Arabia and Israel to continue their efforts to normalize relations, as Graham and many others believe that Hamas's attack is designed to halt this effort, as achieving such an agreement would be a major nightmare for Iran. Senator Richard Blumenthal emphasized that Iran has a toxic and malignant influence and is responsible for the operations of its proxy groups, and it must withdraw them, asserting that this deterrence is essential to prevent the escalation of war, which the President is also seeking. Senator Dan Sullivan added, 'Without Iran, Hamas does not exist. Without Iran, Hezbollah does not exist. Without Iran, the Houthis do not exist. All these terrorist organizations are financed, fed, and trained by the Islamic Republic of Iran.' He also emphasized that 'the Quds Force and its proxy forces have targeted and killed American citizens for decades.' He stated, 'This resolution is based on strong bipartisan support for the re-imposition of a broad range of sanctions – including on oil and ballistic missiles – against Iran and readiness to use military force against Iran in the event of killing Americans.' Senator Katie Britt, referring to Iran's financial support and training for Hamas forces and strengthening its proxy forces in Iraq and Syria and transferring resources to Hezbollah, Houthis, and other terrorist groups in the region, emphasized that peace can only be achieved through strength and that Iran, as the largest supporter of terrorism, will not be tolerated. Senator Jackie Rosen also considered the Islamic Republic of Iran the main state sponsor of terrorism and a factor of instability in the Middle East, evaluating its support as the main cause of attacks on Israel and American soldiers, and urged the U.S. government to stand by its allies and continue to confront Iran's support for terrorism and its efforts to prevent normalization and regional peace. Senator Joe Manchin also emphasized that it must be ensured that the war in the Middle East does not escalate, but it must be clear that the United States will not tolerate ongoing Iranian attacks, adding, 'As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will continue to explore all ways to stand by Israel and prevent regional conflict.' The statement also recognizes Israel's right to defend itself and conduct its operations, encourages the President to work for the release and return of all Israeli hostages, praises the President's decision to deploy military forces in the region, acknowledges serious efforts to combat and eliminate the Hamas organization, and calls on Saudi Arabia and Israel to return to diplomatic negotiations for normalizing relations and establishing peace, prosperity, and lasting stability in the Middle East with U.S. support.