U.S. Senator Jim Risch, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered a statement during a hearing on Iran’s proxy network in the Middle East. Risch expressed concerns about the Biden Administration’s approach to Iran and outlined key strategies for addressing the challenges posed by the Iranian regime.
Risch acknowledged the witnesses at the hearing, Dr. Suzanne Maloney and The Honorable Brian H. Hook, and highlighted their expertise on the subject. He criticized the administration’s focus on rejoining the Iran nuclear deal, stating, “The administration chose engagement and appeasement over containment and isolation.”
Highlighting the increased aggression of Iran in the Middle East, Risch emphasized the need for a shift in policy towards containment, enforcement of sanctions, restoration of deterrence, demonstration of American leadership, and support for the aspirations of the Iranian people.
Risch called for a more robust approach to denying the Iranian regime the resources it uses to support terrorism, stating, “We must enforce existing Iran sanctions, to include stopping Chinese purchases of Iranian oil, and we must permanently freeze Iranian assets around the world.”
The Senator also underscored the importance of restoring deterrence, stating, “It’s time to do things differently. We must dial up deterrence and force the regime to take notice.”
Risch concluded his remarks by emphasizing the role of the committee in shaping Iran policy and expressing gratitude to Mr. Hook for his participation in the hearing. He highlighted the threats faced by Hook and his family, stating, “The threats against you and your family in connection to your past work as the U.S.-Iran envoy are unacceptable, and underscore the threat that Iran poses to Americans.”
The hearing provided valuable insights into the challenges posed by Iran’s proxy network in the Middle East and the necessary steps to address them effectively.
