Senator Risch Questions State Dept. Nominees on Iran Oil Sanctions and Syria Policy

Iran Oil Production and Sanctions

• 🎯 Senator Risch highlights the reduction of Iranian oil exports under the Trump administration to under 200,000 barrels per day.
• 📈 Current figures show Iranian oil exports have risen to nearly 2 million barrels per day, prompting a desire to "turn the screw" again.
• ⚙️ Nominee Mr. Raburn confirms the policy to bring back maximum pressure on Iran's revenue streams, particularly oil exports, by disrupting oil transport and financial transactions.
• 🇨🇳 Mr. Dumbry notes that approximately 90% of Iran's oil exports go to China and suggests focusing efforts there, referencing recent sanctions on Chinese entities supporting Iran's missile technology.

Syria Policy and Expectations

• 🇸🇾 The discussion shifts to Syria, acknowledging the fall of Assad and the emergence of a new administration.
• 🤝 Nominees express an opportunity to engage with the new Syrian authorities, referencing past efforts like the Caesar sanctions.
• 📜 Expectations for the new Syrian government include a normalization agreement with Israel, deporting Palestinian terrorists, expelling foreign fighters, and combating ISIS resurgence.
• 🕌 Tolerance for various religions and ethnicities is emphasized as critically important for Syria's success and future.
• ✅ Both nominees and Senator Risch agree that these expectations have been communicated to Syrian leadership and will be closely monitored.