In a recent development, Florida's Republican Representative Michael Waltz has expressed strong criticism of the Biden administration for its perceived lack of response to attacks on American forces by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria.
The American base in Syria recently intercepted two drones, following a rocket attack on a U.S. air base in Iraq. The Biden administration has been under fire for making concessions to Iran, including facilitating the release of $6 billion held by South Korea for humanitarian aid. This was in exchange for the release of five American prisoners held captive by Iran.
Waltz, in a conversation with Sandra Smith, co-host of "America Reports", expressed his concern over the administration's handling of Iran's involvement. "Since October 7th, they have been equivocating and mincing words on Irans direct involvement. Now we are talking about complicity," Waltz stated. He further criticized the administration for its approach towards Israel, stating, "Every time we see someone come to the podium, they are lecturing the Israelis on human rights and abiding by the laws of war, which I think sends all the wrong signals."
Waltz, who has served as a Green Beret as per his Congressional website, also expressed his dissatisfaction over the Biden administration's decision to ease sanctions on Iran. He pointed out that Iran's foreign currency reserves have increased from 4 billion to 70 billion, and oil exports have risen from nearly zero to 30 billion a year. He also highlighted the $6 billion received by Iran for freeing American hostages.
The Florida representative also voiced his concern over the lack of policy discussion in Washington D.C., stating, "So, here we are in the House, granted we are having a lot of problems with Republicans in the House right now, but we are sitting on this massive supplemental and its typical Washington D.C. to not talk about the policy, but just to ask Congress to throw more money at an issue, and I for one refuse to do that.
Waltz called for a direct response to the Iranian attacks, expressing his dissatisfaction with the current approach. "Thats my question and instead of from the Pentagon, from the State Department, from the White House saying Iran, here are the consequences you are going to suffer directly, if these attacks on U.S. forces and facilities continue, we get this kind of bland, you know, well, we always reserve the rights to defend ourselves,'" Waltz said.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for a clear message to Iran about the consequences of its actions, stating, "I think most Americans would say, Obviously, but what are you going to do to stop it? And thats what our enemy, thats the message our enemies are not getting, is what will be the consequences, what will be the cost, and as long as they see this perceived weakness and opportunity, they are going to continue to take it.
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