2020 Democrats: Iran airstrike 'reckless,' 'could cost countless lives'

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2020 Democratic presidential candidates spoke out after President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE on Thursday approved an airstrike in Baghdad that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force.

The move is a major escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with Iran vowing “harsh retaliation” in response.

Former Vice President and Democratic front-runner Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE tweeted a statement late Thursday that “No American will mourn Qassem Soleimani’s passing,” but cautioned that Trump’s order could leave the U.S. “on the brink of a major conflict across the Middle East.” 

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“No American will mourn Qassem Soleimani’s passing. He deserved to be brought to justice for his crimes against American troops and thousands of innocents across the region. He supported terror and sowed chaos. None of that negates the fact that this is a hugely escalatory move in an already dangerous region,” Biden said. 

The Pentagon confirmed late Thursday that Trump ordered the attack at Baghdad International Airport that killed Soleimani in addition to Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy head of the Iran-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces.

Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.) tweeted Thursday, warning 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.” 

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

Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.) joined Biden in condemning Soleimani, saying he 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,” she continued. 
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Former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegScaled-back Pride Month poses challenges for fundraising, outreach Biden hopes to pick VP by Aug. 1 It’s as if a Trump operative infiltrated the Democratic primary process MORE’s campaign press secretary released the mayor’s statement on the airstrike Friday,  “As a former military intelligence officer on the ground in Afghanistan, I was trained to ask the hard questions before acting. A Commander-in-Chief must do the same,” Buttigieg said. “Before engaging in military action that could destabilize an entire region, we must take a strategic, deliberate approach that includes consultation with Congress, our allies, and stakeholders in the Middle East,” he added.  

 

Entrepreneur Andrew YangAndrew YangGeorge Floyd protests show corporations must support racial and economic equality Andrew Yang discusses his universal basic income pilot program Andrew Yang on the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis MORE tweeted calling for resolving tensions in the region

Sen. Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-N.J.) appeared on MSNBC Thursday night, saying that the Iranian general has “American blood on his hands,” but Booker called on leaders to “look at the larger strategic situation in that area.” 

“We have a president who has had, really, a failure in his Iranian policy, who has had no larger strategic plan and has made that region less stable and less safe, not only for Americans, but for other countries.” 

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Sen. Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Democrats demand Republican leaders examine election challenges after Georgia voting chaos Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-Minn.) tweeted a statement saying “the timing, manner, and potential consequences of the administration’s actions raise serious questions and concerns about an escalating conflict,” adding that “The [Trump] Administration needs to fully consult with Congress on its decision-making, response plans, and strategy for preventing a wider conflict.” 

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Author Marianne WilliamsonMarianne WilliamsonMarianne Williamson touts endorsements for progressive congressional candidates The Hill’s 12:30 Report: Warren becomes latest 2020 rival to back Biden The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden looks to stretch lead in Tuesday contests MORE tweeted, “Prayers for peace. Killing of Qasem Solemani by US military was one of the most reckless irresponsible actions ever directed by a US President. Congress deserves condemnation for allowing it (NDAA) and Americans need to understand this: War with Iran would be totally disastrous.” 

 Updated at 12:42 p.m.