McCaul Statement on Trump EOs Combating Iranian-Backed Terrorism, Supporting Israel

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs — released the following statement on President Trump’s February 4 executive orders re-establishing maximum pressure on Iran and extending a halt on U.S. funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

“President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign nearly bled Iran dry in 2020 — leaving them with extremely few resources to fuel their nuclear program and destabilizing activities. This EO made clear he’s prepared to do it again. 

“I’m also pleased he once again halted U.S. funding to UNRWA, which has demonstrated a long-standing anti-Israel bias and deeply concerning terrorism ties. UNRWA employees participated in Hamas’ barbaric October 7 attack on Israel, and reports have indicated UNRWA structures and employees have since concealed Hamas hostages, harbored weapons, and fostered terrorism activity in the region. 

 “The U.S. will once again put American interests first, stand up to the Iranian regime, and ensure no one messes with our ally, Israel.”

Background:

As chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee last Congress, McCaul passed H.R. 7122 — Rep. Smith’s legislation to halt U.S. UNRWA funding — through his committee. He also repeatedly highlighted the allegations of UNRWA’s links to Hamas and called for the commissioner-general to testify before the committee.

McCaul also worked to combat Iranian state-sponsored terrorism in the Middle East, enacting the first significant Iran sanctions on missile and drone technology in years in his FIGHT Crime Act. McCaul’s resolution in support of Israelafter Hamas’ October 7 massacre gained the most cosigners of any measure ever, and McCaul has been indicted by the Iranian regime due to his pressure against them.

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