Blinken denies $6B Iranian funds directly aided Hamas.
U.S. Secretary of State Denies Claims that $6 Billion in Iranian Funds Supported Hamas
In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken dismissed allegations that the $6 billion in Iranian funds set to be unfrozen as part of a U.S. prisoner swap deal could have been used to finance Hamas’s attack on Israel. He emphasized that no U.S. taxpayer dollars were involved and clarified that these funds were Iranian resources accumulated from the sale of oil, which were stuck in a South Korean bank. According to Blinken, these funds can only be used for humanitarian purposes such as food, medicine, and medical equipment.
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Despite Blinken’s reassurances, some Republicans expressed concerns that freeing up resources for Iran could embolden the country to support terrorist groups like Hamas. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley criticized Blinken’s defense, arguing that even if there are conditions on how Iran can spend the specific $6 billion, the regime can still access funds from other sources as a result of the deal.
Blinken acknowledged that Iran has a history of using its funds to support terrorism, but he reiterated that these funds were legally available for humanitarian purposes. He also highlighted that the previous administration had established a similar mechanism to enable Iran to use blocked oil proceeds for humanitarian reasons.
The $6 billion in funds unfrozen under the deal were not used in the recent attack by Hamas, according to Blinken. However, he acknowledged that other funds were likely used, as Iran has consistently prioritized supporting terrorism. The U.S. State Department previously reported that Hamas receives up to $100 million annually from Iran, while another Iran-backed group, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, has carried out deadly attacks in the region.
What Was The $6 Billion?
The $6 billion refers to Iranian money that had been frozen in South Korean banks due to sanctions on Iran’s oil exports and banking sector. The recent Iran prisoner deal allowed the funds to be used solely for humanitarian-related purposes, such as importing food and other goods outside of Iran.
In August, President Joe Biden approved an agreement that allowed five U.S. citizens detained by Iran to leave the country in exchange for the release of the $6 billion.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in hundreds of casualties. As of October 10, health officials reported that at least 770 Palestinians and over 1,000 Israelis have died, with thousands more wounded and receiving medical treatment.
The Israeli military has called up an unprecedented number of reservists and imposed a total blockade on the Gaza Strip, indicating a potential ground assault in response to the devastating attacks by Hamas terrorists.
Reuters and Ryan Morgan contributed to this report.
From NTD News
What conditions were set in place to ensure that the released funds would not support Hamas or other terrorist organizations
Ighlighted that the U.S. has a robust system in place to prevent any misuse of these specific funds. He stated that the U.S. is committed to monitoring and ensuring that the funds are indeed used for humanitarian purposes only.
Furthermore, Blinken pointed out that the prisoner swap deal was designed to secure the release of innocent Americans held captive in Iran. The U.S. government believed it was a priority to bring these individuals back home, and the release of the Iranian funds was part of the negotiation process.
The allegations that the unfrozen funds would support Hamas came amid the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, where thousands of rockets were fired from Gaza into Israeli territory. The conflict resulted in significant damage and loss of lives on both sides. Hamas, an internationally recognized terrorist organization, has been known to use human shields and launch attacks on civilian targets, putting innocent lives at risk.
While it is crucial to be vigilant about the potential misuse of funds, it is important to note that the specific $6 billion was not released unconditionally. Blinken emphasized that stringent conditions were set in place to ensure the funds are used for humanitarian purposes only. Moreover, the U.S. government remains fully committed to the security and well-being of its allies, including Israel, and takes any threats of terrorism seriously.
The concerns raised by some Republicans about the deal and its potential implications are valid and should be taken into account. It is essential to continue monitoring the situation and address any potential risks that may arise. However, it is equally important to acknowledge the diplomatic efforts made in securing the release of American hostages, as the U.S. government has a responsibility to protect its citizens abroad.
Ultimately, the release of the Iranian funds is a complex issue with multiple perspectives. While Secretary of State Antony Blinken denies claims that the funds could have supported Hamas or any other terrorist organization, it is crucial to remain vigilant and ensure that the funds are used solely for humanitarian purposes. As the situation develops, it is imperative to prioritize the safety and security of all individuals involved and work towards maintaining peace and stability in the region.
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