Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, discussed reports of Iran-funded Houthi Rebel missile attacks in Yemen and military sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at today’s nomination hearing for Lieutenant General Michael E. Kurilla to be Commander of U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM).
“We’ve seen reports of the Houthi rebels in Yemen are firing ‘Zulfiqar’ ballistic missiles at al-Dhafra airbase in the UAE. We have Airmen from North Dakota that are deployed there. Zulfiqar missiles were designed and are built in Iran. Do you think the Houthis bought them from Iran or did Iran donate them to the cause? Do we consider these attacks on our airmen to be Houthi attacks or Iranian attacks?” asked Senator Cramer.
“Senator, I believe Iran does fund the missiles,” responded Lieutenant General Kurilla.
The senator then shifted to military sales with UAE highlighting the idea that if the U.S. does not engage with UAE on military equipment sales, they will turn to other sources.
“The Trump Administration, as you know, agreed to sell the UAE some F-35s, but in May the Biden administration reportedly put the sale on hold due to concerns about the UAE’s relationship with China. What are the benefits of selling UAE some F-35s in your view?” continued Senator Cramer.
“Senator, I believe the benefits are that you have a close partner that has very capable equipment that serves as an offset to Iran,” answered Lieutenant General Kurilla.
“I have to say on balance I’m concerned that we’re allowing this relationship with the UAE and the opportunities it presents to slip away if we don’t ask more questions. I certainly lean more toward trying to be the source of their exquisite weapons systems rather than somebody else and hope we can mitigate,” concluded Senator Cramer.
Senator Cramer also associated himself with comments from Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) requesting information on the extent to which CENTCOM played a role in prioritizing who made it out of Afghanistan during the Biden Administration’s botched withdrawal. Senator Cramer echoed those sentiments and stressed the importance of prioritizing those still stuck in Afghanistan.
Background:
USCENTCOM’s mission is to direct and enable the military operations and activities with allies and partners to increase regional security and stability in support of enduring United States’ interests. Its Area of Responsibility stretches from Northeast Africa across the Middle East to Central and South Asia.