House Financial Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters[1] accused President Trump[2] of provoking Iran[3], saying he gets “no credit” for halting a retaliatory attack last week on the Middle East country after Iran[4] shot down an unmanned U.S. drone.
“Trump[5], you get no credit for so-called stopping the strike against Iran[6]. Why was the unmanned drone in Iran[7]’s airspace? Why the surveillance? Don’t provoke and then pretend innocence,” the California Democrat tweeted[8] Sunday.
While Iran[9] has admitted to shooting down the drone, they dispute the U.S. claim that the drone was flying over international waters, saying it was within their territory.
Mr. Trump[10] imposed Monday new “hard-hitting” sanctions on Iran[11], denying Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and others access to financial networks.
Meanwhile, Rep. Dan Crenshaw, Texas Republican, called out Ms. Waters[12] for believing Iran[13]’s account over Mr. Trump[14]‘s.
“This is a shocking comment from a House Committee Chairwoman. She is literally repeating the lies of the Iranian regime. What a disgrace. Maxine Waters[15]‘ hate for Trump[16] runs so deep that she is willing to take Iran[17]’s side over the word of our military,” he tweeted[18].
• David Boyer contributed to this story....