Since Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched an attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, interventionists on both sides of the political aisle have called for escalating tensions in the Middle East.
On November 1, 2023, the United States House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution, which was introduced by Texas Congressman Michael McCaul, that recognizes and backs “the freedom of action of partners and allies, including Israel, to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.” Additionally, the resolution declares that the US government’s policy is “to use all means necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.”
One of the most prominent opponents of this resolution was Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie. He cited the “all means necessary” clause as the reason for his opposition to the resolution.
He tweeted on November 1, “I do NOT want Iran to get a nuclear weapon, but I will not vote to give Joe Biden this power. ‘All means necessary.’”