Biden Considering Giving $10 Billion More To Iran Through Sanctions Waiver: Report
President Joe Biden Considers Sanctions Waiver to Give Iran $10 Billion
President Joe Biden is reportedly considering approving a sanctions waiver this week that would give the Islamic Republic of Iran $10 billion in funds that are frozen in Iraq.
The news comes after Hamas, a Palestinian Islamic terrorist group backed by Iran, carried out a brutal attack last month, resulting in the death of 1,200 Israelis, the injury of over 5,300 people, and the kidnapping of more than 240 individuals. Iran provided weapons and trained hundreds of Hamas terrorists leading up to the attacks.
The proposed waiver would allow Iraq to transfer frozen electricity payments into Iranian bank accounts in other countries in the region, according to a report from The Washington Free Beacon.
Previously, Biden agreed to unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian assets for a prisoner swap, but due to pressure from Congress and the American people, the money was re-frozen in collaboration with Qatar.
Richard Goldberg, a former Trump administration official and current senior adviser at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, raised concerns about the State Department’s actions. He stated that the waiver was sent to Congress just before 5 p.m. ET to prevent review by key committees until the morning, possibly indicating an attempt to classify the waiver and hide the $10 billion payment to Iran.
MORE: Biden administration may be attempting to classify the waiver. Sent to House and Senate Security Offices to prevent public oversight tonight. The law requires an unclassified waiver but permits a classified annex. White House trying to hide this $10 billion to Iran. https://t.co/mivKs4OGmd
— Richard Goldberg (@rich_goldberg) November 14, 2023
In a September interview with NBC News, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stated that Iran would spend the unfrozen money however they wanted, contradicting the Biden administration’s claims that the funds would only be used for humanitarian purposes.
“This money belongs to the Islamic Republic of Iran, and naturally, we will decide, the Islamic Republic of Iran will decide to spend it wherever we need it,” Raisi said. “How to spend our money of course, it is under the authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi says they’ll use the $6 billion from the Biden Admin “wherever we need it … as determined by the Iranian government” pic.twitter.com/KMLUfk2xhl
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) September 12, 2023
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What factors should be considered before making a final decision on Iranian sanctions waivers, taking into account Iran’s actions, human rights record, and regional behavior
Without sufficient justification and could pose a threat to regional security.
Granting Iran $10 billion in frozen funds raises serious concerns, especially given Iran’s history of sponsoring and supporting terrorist organizations. The recent attack by Hamas, backed by Iran, is a clear example of Iran’s involvement in destabilizing the region and promoting violence against innocent civilians.
While the proposed waiver aims to transfer frozen electricity payments into Iranian bank accounts, it is crucial to assess the potential consequences of such a decision. Iran has a track record of diverting funds towards illicit activities, including funding terrorist organizations and pursuing its nuclear ambitions.
Moreover, it is essential to consider the voices of Congress and the American people, who have expressed their concerns regarding the re-frozen Iranian assets. Congress plays a vital role in shaping foreign policy decisions, and it is crucial for the Biden administration to take these concerns into account before making any further decisions on Iranian sanctions waivers.
Richard Goldberg’s concerns about the State Department’s actions are well-founded. It is important to thoroughly analyze the justifications behind this waiver and assess whether it aligns with our national security interests and objectives. The potential repercussions of releasing such a significant amount of frozen funds to Iran need to be carefully considered before any final decision is reached.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the previous agreement to unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian assets for a prisoner swap was met with backlash. This shows that the American people and their representatives in Congress have reservations about providing Iran with access to frozen funds without sufficient guarantees or accountability measures in place.
President Joe Biden and his administration have emphasized the importance of diplomacy and engagement with Iran. However, it is crucial to balance these objectives with a firm stance against Iran’s destabilizing activities and support for terrorist organizations.
Before any further decisions are made regarding Iranian sanctions waivers, it is necessary to conduct a thorough assessment of the potential risks and benefits. Such a decision should be based on a comprehensive understanding of Iran’s actions, its human rights record, and its regional behavior. Additionally, it is vital to take into consideration the concerns raised by Congress and the American people in order to maintain transparency and ensure the best interests of our nation and its allies.
Ultimately, the decision to grant a sanctions waiver and provide Iran with $10 billion in frozen funds is a significant one that should not be taken lightly. It is crucial for President Joe Biden and his administration to carefully weigh the potential consequences and assess whether this action aligns with our national security interests and objectives in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.
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