Democrat Dismisses Lindsey Graham's Push for Iran War: 'Feels Macho'

Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill dismissed calls from Republicans like Senator Lindsey Graham for a war with Iran, saying it "feels macho."

Sherrill appeared on CNN This Morning and spoke about Iranian-backed militia groups and the work they have done to destabilize the Middle East region.

"A lot of these groups are not in direct contact, but are nevertheless attempting to destabilize the region, want to draw the United States into this conflict," the New Jersey representative said.

"I think that we have to be very careful here. Sure, it feels good, it feels macho to say that we are going to destroy our enemies, but at this time, what the United States often does best is not simply go in half-cocked but rather gather our allies...and back down those who would create this instability," she said.

Over the weekend, Graham and other lawmakers called for a direct response to Iranian-backed militias carrying out an attack on U.S. troops in Jordan, resulting in three deaths and dozens of injuries.

"The only thing the Iranian regime understands is force. Until they pay a price with their infrastructure and their personnel, the attacks on U.S. troops will continue," the South Carolina senator said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "Hit Iran now. Hit them hard."

Newsweek reached out to Graham's office via email for comment.

President Joe Biden and the U.S. Department of Defense previously confirmed the attack on U.S. troops saying that it stemmed from a militia group funded and supported by Iran. Amid the war between Israel and Hamas militants, tensions across the Middle East have remained high. Reuters reported that there have been over 100 attacks on U.S. troops by Iranian-backed groups over the past few weeks.

"We will strive to be worthy of their honor and valor. We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt—we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing," Biden said in a statement following the attacks.

Graham was not the only lawmaker to call for a strong response to Iran. Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas wrote, "Target Tehran" on X.

Arkansas Republican Senator Tom Cotton said: "The only answer to these attacks must be devastating military retaliation against Iran's terrorist forces, both in Iran and across the Middle East. Anything less will confirm Joe Biden as a coward unworthy of being commander-in-chief."

Update 1/30/24, 7:55 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.

Update 1/30/24, 9:02 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.