The criticism followed Biden's decision for retaliatory bombings by the U.S. military in Syria, where Iranian troops had killed an American contractor and injured six other Americans in a drone strike. Eight Iranians were reportedly killed by American launches.
Then, on Friday, Iranian-backed proxy forces carried out their own retaliation attacks by firing rockets at a U.S. facility in northeast Syria. Initial estimates indicate that there are no US casualties and that the base is unharmed.
Republicans in Congress claimed that the seeming tit-for-tat between the United States and Iran is an indication of the Biden administration's weakness.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, stated that "President Biden and his national security team are letting America down." "I worry that General Milley and Secretary of Defense Austin will not be able to deliver the deterrence that America needs to stay safe. Yet President Biden is ultimately to blame for our ill-fated foreign strategy and current military predicament."
Biden was referring to both Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley.
"When attacked, America has just one option: strike back quickly and forcefully with oppressive power meant to deter potential adversaries from cooperating with the country. The best deterrent against future attacks is strength, "Graham tacked on.
The Republican from South Carolina wasn't the only one to criticize Biden.
Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., tweeted that it was "indefensible that an American life must be lost before Joe Biden acts." "This catastrophe might have been avoided if he had vigorously retaliated to the dozens of Iranian attacks that had come before. Why [Austin] isn't doing more to prevent Iran needs to be explained."
On Twitter, Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., added his voice and claimed that Biden is "coddling" Iran.
In order to reduce the possibility of an escalation in its targeted reaction, the Pentagon claimed that the U.S. had taken "proportionate and careful action" with its attacks.
Outside the walls of Congress, a number of observers, especially specialists of foreign and defense policy, have voiced worry that such a strategy will just serve to embolden Iran to keep attacking American targets.
