Congress Testimony from Two Former US Officials; Pompeo: The Ayatollah Uses Money for Terrorism

On Tuesday, a US congressional committee hosted Leon Panetta, former head of the Central Intelligence Agency and former Secretary of Defense, and Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of State and former head of the CIA. The session examined the relationship between China, Russia, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Pompeo stated that in his opinion, the world was safer three years ago. He mentioned that when the US eliminated Qassem Soleimani, it temporarily restored deterrence. He asserted that one cannot negotiate with the Ayatollah (referring to the Islamic Republic) and give them money because it would be used for terrorism. Pompeo also said that China's primary motivation is ideological, claiming that Xi Jinping follows a Marxist-Leninist ideology and is not solely motivated by economic interests. He stated that Xi is seeking more power for the 'Chinese Communist Party.' Furthermore, Pompeo added that Iranian drones are being sent to Russia to kill Ukrainians, chips for the drones are being used, and Iranian oil is going to China, with these actors trying to undermine issues that are important to the US. He emphasized that we should not allow our enemies to evade sanctions and that the US must make decisions regarding dual-use items concerning China. Leon Panetta also mentioned that the Chinese leader takes every opportunity to undermine Western stability. He noted that China wants to expand its nuclear arsenal and have a military that makes the use of force easier. Panetta remarked that Russia, China, and the Islamic Republic of Iran are collaborating. He also stated that 'autocratic' leaders are not very coalition-building, which benefits the US, and that the US should strengthen its alliances with NATO and moderate Arab countries. Panetta stressed the need for US Congress members to approve additional funding for aid to Ukraine and Taiwan, warning that failing to do so would send the wrong message to Russia and China. He said one cannot be weak on Ukraine while being strong against Russia. He added that US deterrence against China must be both economic and military. Panetta expressed gratitude towards President Joe Biden and US allies in NATO for standing firm against Putin, stating that those warnings also sent an important message to the Chinese President regarding Taiwan. Congressional representatives focused on threats posed by China to the US and its allies, such as Taiwan, including technology theft, intellectual property espionage, and widespread misinformation campaigns, especially using artificial intelligence.