Mark Kelly Demands Answers on Russian and Iranian Oil Sanctions Relief

Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) is demanding answers regarding the Trump Administration's decision to ease oil sanctions on Russia and Iran amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran, expressing "deep concern and confusion."

With the conflict causing oil prices to rise over 40% due to the Iranians' closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Sen. Kelly wrote in a letter. "These actions speak once again to the troubling lack of strategic foresight that has marked your administration's decision-making prior to and during its war of choice with Iran, jeopardizing the lives of our servicemembers across the region and raising costs for Americans here at home."

Sen. Kelly further alleged that the White House ignored warnings about the economic fallout of attacking Iran, further claiming Trump is failing to "contain the fallout." Moreover, Iran and Russia are already international allies, and Russia is alleged to be providing intelligence to the Iranians on U.S. movements in the region, which he says is "just the most recent indicator of an incoherent and disordered policy approach."

As a result, the Arizona Senator is demanding a public hearing explaining why the sanctions have been lifted.

The Trump Administration announced plans to lift sanctions on Russia earlier in March. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), also demanded answers for the easing of oil sanctions, similarly citing the spike in oil prices and the untrustworthiness of the Putin regime.

Sen. Gallego called the decision "dangerous, self-defeating, and indefensible," adding that it is "an inexplicable act of material benefit to the enemy." "Regardless of intent—whether knowingly supporting a country aiding and abetting Iran or merely shooting from the hip to appease the markets—this decision imperils American soldiers," he added.

The Trump Administration recently announced that it is ready to begin "winding down" operations against Iran, but is not leaving out the use of force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if Iran is unwilling to cooperate.