Staff Reports
Dozens of House Democrats are breaking ranks with President Joe Biden and demanding a tougher approach towards Iran. In a letter dated October 17, more than 60 Democrats joined forces with dozens of Republicans to call for action against Iran’s funding of Hamas and other terrorist groups. Led by Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), and Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), the letter urges the Biden administration to cut off Iranian funding sources and enforce strong sanctions.
The lawmakers argue that Iran must be held accountable for its continued support of Hamas and other Islamic terror groups. They emphasize the importance of halting Iran’s oil trade with China and preventing the end of United Nations sanctions on Iran’s ballistic missile program. To achieve this, they propose working with European allies to implement snapback sanctions on Iran and putting pressure on Qatar and Turkey to cease their support for Hamas.
Dozens of Democrats Turn on Biden, Say He Isn't Doing Enough to Stop Rising Threat ?https://t.co/pMZXHwlDvQ
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) October 17, 2023
The Senate has also shown bipartisan support for Israel, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) leading a delegation to Israel and promising to pass a military aid package. President Biden has voiced his support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas’s attacks while also acknowledging the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
While U.S. officials have not publicly accused Iran of assisting Hamas in the recent attacks on Israel, Iranian leaders have praised Hamas for its actions. Hamas’s representative in Lebanon confirmed collaboration with Hezbollah and Iran during and after the recent conflict.
In response to the letter from lawmakers, the Treasury Department highlighted the numerous sanctions already imposed on Iranian officials and proxies. The department vowed to continue countering Iran’s destabilizing activity.
With tensions escalating and an anticipated ground invasion by Israel, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel and discussed a plan to provide humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. President Biden is set to visit Israel and Jordan this week to demonstrate the White House’s support for Israel and to engage with Arab leaders.
It remains to be seen how President Biden will respond to the lawmakers’ demands, but the pressure is mounting for a tougher stance on Iran.
