Katie Britt accuses China of helping Iran work around American sanctions
U.S. Senator Katie Britt, during a recent hearing of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs claimed that highlighted how current American sanctions against Iran have failed to stop its commerce with China, which continues to buy Iranian oil and aid the development of Iran’s nuclear missile program. Questioning Biden Administration officials from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Senator Britt pointed to evidence that clearly shows that despite American sanctions, Iranian oil is being exported to China at record levels, Chinese firms are providing critical assistance in Iran’s efforts to develop nuclear weapons, and Chinese companies are providing surveillance technology as Iran monitors and censors its own people. “These two countries have long worked together, with China purchasing Iranian oil and Iran buying Chinese goods. China is perhaps the biggest partner for Iran in evading sanctions,” Senator Britt said. During her questioning, Senator Britt pointed out that while elevated sanctions are in place, Iran has experienced increased oil exports. Specifically, she asked if sanctions were being levied and enforced against Chinese ports receiving Iranian oil. Biden Administration officials repeatedly avoided answering the question directly. “At a time when China is our greatest geopolitical threat, I believe we must do more to stop them from aiding enemies such as Iran. What we are seeing is Iran circumventing American sanctions in close coordination with China. This is not only incredibly concerning, it is a major national security threat. The Biden Administration should be focused on using the tools available to enforce these sanctions and hold China accountable.” Iranian oil exports have hit new highs despite the U.S. sanctions during the last two months of 2022. Companies that track the flows claim that Iran has higher oil shipments to China and Venezuela. Energy consultant SVB International said Iran’s crude exports in December averaged 1.137 million barrels per day, up 42,000 bpd from November and the highest 2022 figure that SVB. “January exports were so far strong like previous months,” said Sara Vakhshouri of SVB. “Lower Chinese demand and Russia’s supply to China have been a major challenge for them. Most of its oil still goes to the Far East, ultimately China. Iran also helps Venezuela to export its oil.” Kpler is a data intelligence firm. Kpler puts Iranian crude exports at 1.23 million barrels per day in November. This is the highest level recorded since August 2022 and almost on par with April 2019′s rate of 1.27 million barrels per day, although they slipped to just below 1 million bpd in December. Iran, meanwhile, appears to be in the early stage of a growing border war with Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Military equipment that Americans abandoned in Afghanistan has been moved toward the Iranian border. Katie Britt was elected to the Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
