Nebraska Panhandle News

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts, along with other Republican members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to impose sanctions on Chinese entities involved in supplying missile propellant ingredients to Iran. The call for action follows reports that two Iranian cargo ships are expected to transport 1,000 tons of these ingredients from China to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), enabling the production of hundreds of midrange missiles.

The senators stated, "Reimposing maximum pressure on the Iranian regime requires imposing costs on Communist China." They encouraged the administration to identify and sanction any parties involved in this transfer, including Chinese companies and ports facilitating the shipments. Additionally, they called for international cooperation to intercept and halt these deliveries if the reports prove accurate.

The letter was signed by Senators Jim Risch, John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, John Curtis, Steve Daines, Bill Hagerty, and Rick Scott—all members of the Foreign Relations Committee.

According to sources such as the Financial Times, one vessel named Golbon departed from China on January 21st while another ship named Jairan is set to leave in early February. Both vessels are associated with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line (IRISL), which is under U.S. sanctions.

The senators expressed concern over Tehran's missile program posing threats to the United States and its allies. They noted that recent events have shown increased aggression from Iran through missile attacks against Israel and commercial vessels in strategic regions like the Red Sea.

Furthermore, they highlighted China's ongoing support for Iran's missile program and its decision allowing Tehran to sell stored oil in Chinese ports—funds earmarked for IRGC activities—as part of a growing authoritarian alliance involving Russia and North Korea.

In conclusion, they reiterated their commitment: "We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. We stand ready to work with the administration to thwart Iran’s missile program and protect our allies."