President Biden authorized the release of $6 billion in previously withheld oil revenues to Iran. Following this decision, Iran freed five American detainees who had been held for an extended period.
NBC News confirmed on Monday that a flight transporting the five Americans, along with two family members, had departed from Iran, heading to Qatar. Qatar played a pivotal role in facilitating this exchange. An official from the Biden administration had previously stated that the funds would be channeled to Qatar, with the intention of ensuring they were allocated for “humanitarian purposes.” However, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi countered this narrative. In a conversation with NBC News’ Lester Holt, Raisi clarified, “Humanitarian means whatever the Iranian people needs, so this money will be budgeted for those needs, and the needs of the Iranian people will be decided and determined by the Iranian government.” He further emphasized that the allocation of these funds would be determined by Iran’s necessities.
Several leading Republican senators expressed their concerns regarding the deal. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) took to Twitter, stating, “I am always glad when Americans are released from captivity. However, this agreement will entice rogue regimes, like Iran, to take even more Americans hostage. The ayatollah and his henchmen are terrorists and truly represent a terrorist state.” Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) shared a similar sentiment, cautioning that such deals could embolden Iran in its nuclear ambitions and increase the potential ransom for future American hostages.
In a related development, Iran recently restricted access to about one-third of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) inspectors, preventing them from scrutinizing its nuclear facilities. Rafael Grossi, the IAEA’s director-general, highlighted the significance of these inspectors, noting their expertise in enrichment technology. He expressed his strong disapproval of Iran’s decision, labeling it as “disproportionate and unprecedented.”
I am always glad when Americans are released from captivity.
However, this agreement will entice rogue regimes, like Iran, to take even more Americans hostage. The ayatollah and his henchmen are terrorists and truly represent a terrorist state.
https://t.co/EOUaH8SVpX— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) September 11, 2023
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) recently pointed out the financial capabilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. She highlighted their ability to increase the salaries of some of their proxies and emphasized the potential threat they pose to Americans and regional allies. Ernst also underscored the importance of the Abraham Accords, marking its third anniversary, and the need to bolster Middle Eastern partnerships in light of Iran’s escalating aggression.
