The Biden administration is "not holding Iran accountable" after American officials warned earlier this month that Tehran was attempting to influence the U.S. election, House Intelligence Committee Chair Rep. Mike Turner told CBS News' "Face the Nation" on Sunday.
"I think what's missing here is a response from the administration," the Ohio Republican said when asked if he was "satisfied" with efforts by the United States and social media companies to counter potential election interference by Iran.
Turner also harshly criticized the Biden administration for not responding to Tehran's attempt to spread misinformation and for the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, saying that "most national security experts resoundly agree that killing a presidential candidate would be an act of war from a foreign power. Well, certainly, attempting ... though, does at least require a response."
The House intelligence Committee chair added, "In this, the administration is — both on the hacking side, on the misinformation side, and on the alleged attempt on Donald Trump's life — is not holding Iran accountable. There's no red lines."
He also suggested that more needs to be done to deter Tehran, saying that "there is not a response that impacts Iran or that has a deterrent effect or holds them accountable. And that, of course, results in increased activity and an increased emboldening of Iran to meddle in our elections and to, I think, have people at risk in our country."
Turner added, "There is a possibility, with the advances that have been made under the Biden administration's policy, that Iran could — reports are out that Iran could declare itself a nuclear weapons state by the end of the year."
Brian Freeman ✉
Brian Freeman, a Newsmax writer based in Israel, has more than three decades writing and editing about culture and politics for newspapers, online and television.
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