Sen. Ron Johnson’s Comments on Iran and China

On Sunday, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) shared his views on ABC’s “This Week,” suggesting that if the United States backs Iran in its current military efforts, it should consider stopping oil supplies to China.

A summary of the conversation follows:

MARTHA RADDATZ: We have the situation where 50,000 troops are in danger, and the Gulf states are under threat. Gas prices are climbing, and oil prices are also on the rise. President Trump responded to concerns about war by saying those against it are “stupid,” arguing that the main goal of war is to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. How do you address Americans who are worried about the risks to troops, rising gas prices, and the complexities of the situation that could persist for a while?

Johnson: That’s actually a solid point. It’s exactly why we need to work toward ending the Iranian regime. Both President Obama and President Biden have been criticized for being too lenient, pouring money into Iran, and allowing it to gain strength while continuing to pursue nuclear capabilities. We needed to act before Iran became a nuclear power and before they amassed enough missiles and drones to cause significant destruction. The damage done is already considerable.

It’s a tough choice for President Trump, and he understood the challenges involved. While deploying troops isn’t the only solution, there are other methods that could help the Iranian people and ultimately dismantle the regime. But let’s be real: This administration looks quite weak. Their imposing statements remind me of “Baghdad Bob”—they’re not in a strong position. We must also make it clear that we want China and Russia to stop aiding Iran. I’ve heard alarming reports that China intends to send weapons to Iran. We must clearly communicate our disapproval of such actions. We have the capability to intercept oil shipments to China via the Strait of Hormuz, so we do have leverage here, and it’s important to use it.