In a sharp critique of the Biden administration’s approach to Iran, Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) accused President Biden of downplaying Iran’s missile strikes on Israel. “They act as if these attacks don’t count because they’re not hitting direct targets,” Turner said on Fox News Sunday, voicing frustration over the White House’s restraint. As Biden toes the line between supporting Israel and calling for peace, Turner insists this is no regional skirmish but a serious threat to Israel’s very existence.
Turner, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, argued that Iran’s aggression, including hundreds of missiles launched in recent months, demands more than a call for ceasefire. He suggested Biden’s response attempts to minimize Iran’s actions and restrain Israel’s ability to defend itself fully. “Iran is using proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas and is now directly attacking Israel,” Turner stated, calling on the administration to acknowledge this as a systematic assault on Israel’s sovereignty rather than isolated incidents.
Turner believes a second Trump administration would have taken a far firmer stance, claiming that under Trump’s watch, Iran would have faced “real and significant consequences.” He predicts that a Trump win in 2024 would lead to decisive actions against Iran, which he believes could put an end to hostilities altogether. The congressman also emphasized that Israel is “rightly defending itself” and deserves robust U.S. support, without Biden’s push for restraint.
The critique comes amidst a contentious period for U.S.-Israel relations. While Biden has tried to strike a balance, Turner and other Republicans argue that the administration’s hesitation has emboldened Iran, viewing it as part of a broader campaign against Israel’s right to exist. Turner pointed out that Biden’s approach lacks the assertiveness he claims is necessary to deter Iran and protect America’s key ally.
With the 2024 election on the horizon, this stance has become a political flashpoint. Biden’s call for a ceasefire may be popular among those hoping for diplomatic solutions, but Turner’s rebuke underscores a growing demand for more aggressive support of Israel, particularly as Iran’s threats escalate. The debate is heating up, and the stakes for U.S. foreign policy—and its reputation as a defender of allies—have rarely been higher.
