Sen. Chris Coons, after initially saying military action could be warranted against Iran if intelligence suggests it was behind the weekend attacks on Saudi oil facilities, shifted Tuesday to call for diplomatic action and further Congressional briefings first now that the U.S. is blaming Iran.
"First, we in Congress need to be briefed on the intelligence," the Delaware Democrat told CNN's "New Day." "While it is important what's reported on the news, we need a detailed briefing on the intelligence, and I've asked for that and I'm hoping to get that."
In addition, there must be a "conversation as a country and as a Congress" about if the attack was directly relevant enough to the interests of the United States as to justify military action, said Coons.
"Diplomatic action is what's called for first, and our president should come to Congress and make that case if he has determined this is what calls for military action," said Coons.
Iran is an "aggressive power that is clearly willing" to use more direct attacks against Saudi Arabia.
"Iran has projected force into Syria, into Lebanon, into Iraq, into Yemen and this latest incident could well be the next step in the escalation of challenges," said Coons. "I appreciate that President Trump's most recent statement on this was that he is not seeking war with Iran."
Coons said he does believe Iran is testing the resolve of the United States, but he is also concerned that Saudi Arabia is an "uneven partner" because of its actions, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
"This is not a treaty ally like a NATO country where we are obligated to respond with force if they are attacked," said Coons. "We've stood by the Saudis for a long time even when their own conduct in terms of supporting very questionable actions has strained the limits of our relationship."
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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