The decision by the U.S.to take out of Iran’s top military leader, General Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike is fully supported by Oklahoma’s U.S. Sens. Inhofe and Lankford.
The strike occurred at the Baghdad International airport as Quds Force Leader General Soleimani arrived and was greeted by his militia leaders in Iraq. As they prepared to motorcade from the airport, the drone strike happened.
““President Trump has been clear all along – the United States will not tolerate Iran spilling American blood, and tonight he followed his words with action,” said Sen. Inhofe, who is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “The Quds Force, under the direction of Soleimani, is responsible for attacks that have killed hundreds of American and coalition service members.”
The decision by President Trump to kill Soleimani, who was considered to be an indispensable leader of Iran’s military and second only in power to the Khomeini came after Iran-backed militia members attacked a base near Baghdad and killed an American contractor and wounded others.
” Last week, an Iranian proxy killed an American contractor, and this week, Iran’s proxies attacked our embassy and were actively targeting American diplomats and service members. Their actions were unacceptable—as are all actions that threaten Americans and our coalition partners,” added Inhofe.
The Senator said the killing of the Iranian General should mean America’s adversaries have no doubt that President Trump means what he says.
“America does not and should not seek war, but it will respond in kind to those who threaten our citizens, soldiers and friends – as the President has long promised. De-escalation is preferable and possible – but only if our adversaries choose it,” said Inhofe
U.S. Senator James Lankford also issued a statement after the strike.
“For years, the Iranian regime has pursued a reckless strategy of intimidation, fear, and aggression. Its acts of terrorism have destabilized the entire Middle East. As the leader of the Quds Force, General Soleimani has personally been responsible for killing US military and allied forces in Iraq, including a US contractor just last week,” said Sen. Lankford.
He said President Trump had sent multiple, clear signals that there would be consequences if General Soleimani and his Quds Force killed another US citizen and continued his pursuit of aggression in Iraq and the Middle East.
“No one wants a war with Iran or with the millions of peaceful Iranian people. Unfortunately, the Iranian regime has impoverished its people while pursuing brutal aggression throughout the Middle East. I pray for all of our military and foreign service personnel around the globe as they continue to keep our nation safe and secure.”
As a result of the killing, oil prices rose in global trading.
