Just two weeks ago President Joe Biden was asked about a lack of deterrence toward Iran as the terror sponsor's proxy groups launched attacks on shipping and U.S. military assets in the Middle East.
“I've already delivered the message to Iran. They know not to do anything," Biden said.
Over the weekend, three U.S. service members were killed and dozens more were severely wounded in an Iranian drone strike at a base in Jordan.
BIDEN (16 days ago): "I've already delivered the message to Iran. They know not to do anything."
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 28, 2024
Iran-backed terrorists just killed three U.S. service members and wounded dozens of others. pic.twitter.com/6VXFxSeawD
Speaking to reporters at the White House Monday, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby defended Biden's remarks and his overall approach to dealing with Iranian aggression.
REPORTER: "Does the president have any regret over not punching back harder?"
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 29, 2024
KIRBY: "We have taken significant action...we have taken aggressive action..." pic.twitter.com/k6KwBdpVc8
On Sunday, President Biden said a response would come to Iran's killing of American troops.
"We know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq," President Biden released in a statement. "Have no doubt, we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing."
Fox reporter presses Kirby on Biden's potential response to this weekend's attack on U.S. troops.
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 29, 2024
"Does the administration not hold Iran responsible for these attacks or is the current level of risk and loss to U.S. troops somehow acceptable?" pic.twitter.com/Iz8OEICR07