American and Israeli experts are criticizing President Biden’s weak Iran policy after a massive aerial attack on Israel by the Islamic Republic. The attack marked the first time Iran executed direct missile and drone strikes on Israeli territory. Critics are calling for the Biden administration to reverse its reportedly dovish outreach to the ayatollahs in Iran. The experts are urging Biden to lock down the $10 billion in funds that he released to Iran and to enforce U.S. oil sanctions and snap back U.N. sanctions to prevent further escalation.
White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby defended the administration’s response to Iran, stating that measures have been taken against Tehran, including sanctions. He argued that it was the previous administration’s decision to exit the Iran nuclear deal, which has allowed Iran to advance closer to nuclear weapon capability. However, former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe believes that the Biden administration’s response to the reported Israeli attack on Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) generals in Syria has “fractured” the relationship with Israel and emboldened Iran.
Critics have accused the Biden administration of being soft on Iran after the regime was given financial relief and additional funds despite assurances that the money can only be used for humanitarian goods, not the regime. The lifting of U.N. sanctions on Iran’s ability to purchase and supply missiles to enemies of the U.S. and Israel has raised concerns about the lack of consequences for Iran’s actions. Experts argue that the containment policy and reliance on diplomacy and sanctions are not effective in dealing with Iran’s aggression.
World leaders have collectively condemned the Iranian attack on Israel, expressing support for Israel’s right to defend itself. Iranian-American expert Lisa Daftari believes that the Biden administration’s initial posture towards Iran signaled weakness and a lack of consequences for the regime’s actions. The administration’s stance has emboldened the ayatollahs and contributed to the escalating tensions in the region. The State Department has acknowledged Iran’s support for terror groups like Hamas and reiterated that Iran remains the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.
Israeli expert Yaakov Katz has criticized the world’s strategy of diplomacy and sanctions in dealing with Iran, stating that the containment policy has not been effective. Iran’s continued support for proxies like Hamas, Houthis, and Hezbollah, along with the recent direct attack on Israel, highlight the need for a shift in approach. The unprecedented Iranian attack on Israel has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current measures in curbing Iran’s aggressive behavior. Experts are calling for a more robust response to deter further escalations in the region.
