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WASHINGTON – At a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing yesterday, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the SASC Seapower Subcommittee, questioned Admiral Philip S. Davidson, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), on the impact of lifting sanctions on Iran following reports that the regime is moving record amounts of oil to China, and India’s refiners have added Iranian oil to their import plans.
“Does INDOPACOM track Iranian oil shipments within your Area of Responsibility?” asked Senator Cramer. “If so, does that information get to the Pentagon, the White House, the decision makers?”
Admiral Davidson confirmed the information is being tracked and reported, adding, “The interactions with China are indicative of China’s willingness to ignore sanctions and international norms.”
Senator Cramer followed up by highlighting the problems caused by letting Iran sell oil to an important ally, India, after sanctions were lifted.
“It seems to me like lifting sanctions on Iran could have ramifications that we haven’t thought of yet,” responded Senator Cramer.
“It’s an important policy issue for the United States,” replied Admiral Davidson. “Iran is no doubt a net exporter of oil and that will need to be considered.”
Senator Cramer then pivoted to a discussion on Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts. North Dakota is home to ISR platforms such as the RQ-4 Global Hawk in Grand Forks and the MQ-9 Reaper in Fargo.
“Do you think the sale of ISR platforms to allies in the region might help our ISR needs in the region?” asked Senator Cramer. “I know there’s been some restrictions and sales pending and a lot of desire by our allies and American contractors.”
“We share information with our allies in the region,” responded Admiral Davidson. “They benefit from the information that we generate. In the East China Sea and the South China Sea, the United States benefits from much of what our allies and partners do there.”
Senator Cramer concluded his remarks discussing how the United States and its allies should view China and treat it on the world stage.
