According to new reports, the United States and Iran have agreed to unfreeze $6 billion in exchange for the release of five American inmates.
Republicans have slammed the accord, saying it favors a foreign foe.
Last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved the deal, giving a general permission for foreign banks to permit the transfer of the $6 billion in Iranian funds that had been frozen in South Korea to a bank in Qatar.
Last month, Iran transferred four American prisoners to house arrest from a notorious jail in Tehran, signaling the possibility of a deal. There was already a sixth American there.
The earnings from Iran’s oil shipments to South Korea were suspended by the U.S. as a result of deteriorating ties; nevertheless, as part of the agreement, Qatar is anticipated to mediate the use of the unfrozen cash.
Republicans asserted that the move would surely free up funds for Iran’s military spending even though U.S. officials said they expected the money would only be utilized for humanitarian purposes.
The Biden administration has refuted claims made by prominent House Republicans that the United States was negotiating with Iran to reduce its nuclear production as part of the accord.
For the past two years, the administration has attempted in vain to resurrect a nuclear agreement with Iran.
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