Chairman Royce on the hearing: “Growing turmoil in the Middle East poses clear and immediate dangers to the U.S. and our partners. In Syria, Assad is using cover from Iran and Russia to continue abhorrent attacks on civilians that have destabilized the region. Meanwhile in Yemen, Iran’s malign influence has empowered the Houthis and left millions on the brink of starvation. This hearing will allow members to examine U.S. policy toward the Middle East as we grapple with these conflicts and approach a key deadline for the Iran nuclear agreement.”

Opening Statements

Full text of Chairman Ed Royce’s opening statement

Witnesses

The Honorable David M. Satterfield
Acting Assistant Secretary
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
U.S. Department of State
[full text of statement]

The Honorable A. Wess Mitchell
Assistant Secretary
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
U.S. Department of State
[full text of statement]

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Hearing transcript (PDF)