In the aftermath of a fatal drone strike in Jordan that claimed the lives of three U.S. service members, former national security adviser John Bolton has advocated for "disproportionate" retaliatory strikes against Iran.
Speaking on NewsNation on Sunday evening, Bolton argued that the U.S. must "impose enough pain on Iran" to deter future attacks.
Bolton stated, "To be clear, I dont think it should be proportionate. I think it should be disproportionate. Thats how you create deterrence in the mind of your adversary, that the cost to them of attacking our forces is so high they wont do it again."
The drone attack, which occurred near the Syria border on Saturday, also left two dozen service members injured. President Biden attributed the attack to "radical Iran-backed militant groups" operating in Iraq and Syria, a claim that Iran has since refuted.
Republican lawmakers have since urged President Biden to retaliate against Iran, criticizing his previous responses to Iranian-linked attacks as inadequate. Bolton proposed potential targets for retaliation, including Iranian naval vessels in the Red Sea, Quds Force bases in western Iran, and other air defense locations within the country.
"Any or all of them could be targets," Bolton, who served under the Trump administration, said. "None of this threatens the regime in Tehran not that that would particularly bother me but for those who are nervous. None of that threatens the regime, but it sends a very clear message."
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby appeared on several morning news programs on Monday, emphasizing that the U.S. is considering its options for a response. Speaking on MSNBCs "Morning Joe," Kirby said, "We know that they are resourcing, theyre supplying, in some cases theyre providing information that allows these groups to do this. Were taking that very seriously. We dont want a wider war with, with Iran. We dont want a wider war in the region, but we got to do what we have to do."
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