Following Hamas’ assault on Israel, ex-President Donald Trump urged current President Joe Biden to reinstate the freeze on $6 billion of Iranian assets, which had been released due to a recent exchange of prisoners.
“JOE BIDEN NEEDS TO IMMEDIATELY HALT AND FREEZE THE 6 BILLION DOLLARS. THIS ACT OF IGNORANCE AND CARELESSNESS HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE CURRENT CRISIS. THIS SITUATION IS DETERIORATING RAPIDLY!” Trump shared.
The recent agreement between Biden and Iran has faced intens scrutiny, as numerous specialists suggest Iran’s involvement in financially backing Hamas and potentially orchestrating a major attack in Israel. This attack tragically resulted in over 1,200 casualties, including a minimum of 14 Americans.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the coordinated attacks on Israel were given the go-ahead by Iranian security officials in a Beirut meeting around ten days prior.
Last month, the Biden administration exchanged five individuals with Iran, securing the release of five U.S. captives and liberating $6 billion in Iranian resources.
“Engaging financially with a regime that has clear disdain for America is alarming,” remarked former U.N. Ambassador and GOP presidential hopeful, Nikki Haley.
Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, James Comer (R-Ky.), requested an inquiry into what he termed a “ransom transaction.”
“From the mishandled retreat from Afghanistan to the controversial $6 billion release to Iran, President Biden’s actions have destabilized the region,” Comer expressed, as cited by the Washington Examiner. “It’s Congress’s responsibility to monitor the administration’s foreign policy moves and scrutinize U.S. foreign aid expenditure.”
However, the Biden administration remains confident in its decision regarding Iran.
“Our priority remains the safe return of American nationals who are held unjustly overseas,” remarked national security advisor Jake Sullivan on Tuesday. “The president is unwavering in this commitment.”
Officials from the Biden administration continue to emphasize that the released funds remain untouched.
“As of now, not one dollar has been utilized from that allocation,” stated Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday. “It’s a known fact that Iran has traditionally channeled its resources towards supporting terrorism and groups like Hamas, even amidst sanctions.”
While the possibility of refreezing assets hasn’t been addressed by the administration, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi assured that the funds would be utilized “as deemed necessary.”
However, White House representatives have challenged Raisi’s assertions.
“That’s simply incorrect. The arrangement dictates that the $6 billion, which belongs to Iran, will be placed in a Qatari bank — Qatari National Bank,” clarified National Security Council coordinator John Kirby in September. “For humanitarian needs, Iran can apply for withdrawals, and both Qatar and the U.S. will oversee and approve the necessary funds accordingly.”
