U.S. Democrats Warn of Major Escalation After Iranian General Soleimani Assassination

Several of the Democratic presidential candidates warned on Thursday that the United States was heading towards major escalation and perhaps even war with Iran, following the assassination of Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force.

Former Vice President Joe Biden released a statement saying that “no American will mourn” the death of Soleimani, who “deserved to be brought to justice for his crimes against American troops and thousands of innocents throughout the region. He supported terror and sowed chaos.”

>> Top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani killed in U.S. airstrike in Iraq <<

Biden speaks during a campaign Town Hall on December 30, 2019 in Derry, New Hampshire. AFP

Biden added, however, that the assassination was “a hugely escalatory move in an already dangerous region.” He warned that “President Trump just tossed a stick of dynamite into a tinderbox and he owes the American people an explanation of the strategy and plan to keep our troops safe.”

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– Biden tweet

My statement on the killing of Qassem Soleimani. pic.twitter.com/4Q9tlLAYFB

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 3, 2020

“This administration has not demonstrated at any turn the discipline or long-term vision necessary – and the stakes could not be higher,” added Biden, who is currently the leading candidate in most recent polls of the Democratic nomination battle.

Senator Bernie Sanders, who is coming second in many polls, wrote on Twitter Thursday that “Trump's dangerous escalation brings us closer to another disastrous war in the Middle East that could cost countless lives and trillions more dollars. Trump promised to end endless wars, but this action puts us on the path to another one.”

Sanders speaks during a climate summit on November 9, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. Stephen Maturen / GETTY IMAGES N

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– Sanders tweet

Trump's dangerous escalation brings us closer to another disastrous war in the Middle East that could cost countless lives and trillions more dollars.

Trump promised to end endless wars, but this action puts us on the path to another one.

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) January 3, 2020

Senator Elizabeth Warren, another leading contender, wrote following the news: “Soleimani was a murderer, responsible for the deaths of thousands, including hundreds of Americans. But this reckless move escalates the situation with Iran and increases the likelihood of more deaths and new Middle East conflict. Our priority must be to avoid another costly war.”

Rep. Elliott Engel (D-NY), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released a written statement which highlighted the need to update Congress about the situation regarding Iran. “Qassem Soleimani was the mastermind of immense violence, suffering, and instability. He had the blood of Americans on his hands and I won’t grieve his death. But many will consider him a martyr and I’m deeply concerned about the repercussions of tonight’s strike,” Engel wrote.

Engel added that “this strike went forward with no notification or consultation with Congress. To push ahead with an action of this gravity without involving Congress raises serious legal problems and is an affront to Congress’s powers as a coequal branch of government. The law requires notification so the President can’t plunge the United States into ill-considered wars. We must also hear without delay from senior officials about this action and their plans to deal with the aftermath.”