The Biden administration has reached an agreement with Iran that involves a prisoner swap and the release of $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds. Under the terms of this agreement, Iran will release five American citizens who had been detained in Iran, while the U.S. will release five Iranian citizens who were being held in the United States. It’s important to note that the United States designates Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken officially approved this deal late last week, although Congress was only notified of this decision on Monday, coincidentally, the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The notification was obtained by The Associated Press.

The pivotal component of this deal was the transfer of the $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets, which were held in South Korea, to Qatar. This transfer was facilitated by a blanket waiver, ensuring that it would not run afoul of U.S. sanctions. This step was necessary because of the stringent sanctions the U.S. imposes on entities engaging in transactions that benefit Iran.

While this agreement has garnered some criticism, with concerns raised about its potential to encourage hostage-taking by Iran, Secretary Blinken’s waiver was intended to alleviate European nations’ apprehensions about violating U.S. sanctions. Critics argue that releasing these funds may embolden Iran and its hostage-related tactics, citing the recent case of a Swedish diplomat. They also contend that unfreezing the $6 billion overlooks the initial reason for freezing these assets – distrust in Iran’s use of oil money for nuclear or military purposes during the Obama administration.

Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, further voiced her concerns, suggesting that the $6 billion would ultimately benefit the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its proxies, potentially empowering Iran’s illicit actions and hostage diplomacy. She expressed a desire to see a change in what she perceives as the Biden administration’s strategy of appeasement.

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SOURCE

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-admin-strikes-deal-iran-swap-prisoners-release-6-billion-frozen-funds