Written by Michael Thompson.

In a pivotal White House press briefing, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy put the spotlight on the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy under President Biden, following a bold strike by Iran against Israel.

Iran Ignores Biden’s Solemn Warning

Last Friday, President Biden issued a stern, one-word warning to Iran regarding their aggressive postures towards Israel: “Don’t.” However, this attempt to deter aggression with minimal rhetoric proved ineffective. Within a day, Iran defiantly launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel. Thanks to the vigilance of the U.S. and its allies, the attack was largely intercepted, resulting in minimal damage and no casualties.

Doocy Questions Kirby on U.S. Response

During the press briefing, Peter Doocy took the opportunity to press John Kirby, the spokesperson, on what the administration plans next, given the apparent failure of its “don’t” doctrine. Doocy’s pointed questioning highlighted concerns about whether the U.S. stance towards Iran needs strengthening beyond simple verbal warnings.

Kirby responded by downplaying the effectiveness of the Iranian attack, suggesting it was an embarrassment for Iran’s leadership. However, he sidestepped providing a clear answer on any strategic adjustments in U.S. policy towards Iran, focusing instead on the unsuccessful outcome of the attack for Iran.

Funding Concerns Raised

Further intensifying the dialogue, Doocy queried whether the Biden administration regrets its decision to unfreeze billions in Iranian assets last year, particularly in light of these recent events. He raised a critical point about the potential misuse of these funds, contrasting Kirby’s assurance that the funds were earmarked for humanitarian purposes with statements from Iranian leaders indicating they would use the funds as they saw fit.

Our Take

This sequence of events raises serious questions about the current U.S. administration’s approach to international threats and its perception on the global stage. The fundamental issue here isn’t just about a failed missile attack, but about respect and fear—or the lack thereof—that foreign powers have towards U.S. directives. When a straightforward warning is so blatantly ignored, it signals a need for a reassessment of how America projects its power and handles its diplomacy. The administration must ensure that its actions and policies are robust enough to command respect and deter aggression effectively, reflecting the strength and resolve that the American people expect from their leaders.

DOOCY TIME: “John, has President Biden considered maybe beefing up the public Iran posture to be more than just one word?”

WH’s John Kirby: “You — you’re referring to, ‘don't’?”

Doocy: “Yeah.”

Kirby: “And so, let's —”

Doocy: “Because he said —”

Kirby: “— talk about —”… pic.twitter.com/KufejLZFnX

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) April 15, 2024