Iran, US agree on prisoner swap deal
U.S. approves $6 billion transfer to Iran in return for release of 5 imprisoned Americans
The U.S. government under President Joe Biden has approved the transfer of $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds from South Korea to Qatar.
The move will allow for the release of five American citizens imprisoned in Iran.
To make this possible, an exemption has been granted to international banks to ensure that they will not be subject to U.S. sanctions if they facilitate the transfer.
The U.S. has also agreed to release five Iranian nationals being held in the country.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has approved the sanctions waiver.
The decision has been criticized in several quarters, including by Republicans who argue that it strengthens Iran’s economy while the country remains a threat to the U.S. and its allies.
Senators Chuck Grassley and Tom Cotton voiced their concerns, accusing the U.S. of indirectly supporting Iran’s alleged ties to terrorism.
The money transfer was a key part of the agreement as four American prisoners were placed under house arrest last month.
Because of existing U.S. sanctions, several European countries had reservations about participating in the fund transfer.
The American prisoners are reportedly Siamak Namazi, Emad Sharghi and Morad Tahbaz, with two others unidentified.
Blinken stressed that the move was in the U.S. national security interest.
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