The Biden administration is reportedly considering a sanctions relief package that could see $10 billion go to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The news comes as Iran-linked militias continue launching rocket and drone attacks against American forces in the Middle East.
The Biden administration weighed releasing $10 billion in seized assets held in Iraq for use by Iran. The sanctions relief would take place this week as a result of a July decision by the Biden administration.
As of late Tuesday, the administration reportedly accepted the sanctions waiver.
The United States imposed heavy sanctions on Iran due to the nation’s nuclear program and Washington’s assertion that Tehran is the world’s largest sponsor of terrorism. A number of the sanctions on the regime were imposed by former President Donald Trump.
Biden administration doubles down on giving $10 billion sanctions relief to Iran. Money is fungible. This is 100% budget support for the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism.
AFTER October 7.
AFTER weeks of attacks on US forces.
Congress needs to shut this down ASAP. https://t.co/ilF05nU231
— Richard Goldberg (@rich_goldberg) November 14, 2023
The waiver recalls the Biden administration’s decision to transfer $6 billion to the Iranian regime, ostensibly to allow for the purchase of ‘humanitarian’ goods. The effort would have seen funds held by the United States due to sanctions on the Islamist regime become accessible to Tehran via Qatar.
The $6 billion payment was reportedly in exchange for the release of several Americans held by the Islamic Republic.
The effort was suspended following a significant outcry from members of both political parties following the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.
Iran is a key backer of Hamas and the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah, as well as a significant number of other militant groups across the Middle East.
Hezbollah alone receives around $700 million per year from Tehran while Hamas receives about $100 million.
Iran-backed groups have launched at least 40 attacks on American service personnel across the region, including at least four attacks from Monday into Tuesday. The attacks have caused at least 56 American injuries. Separately, an American civilian contractor died of a heart attack during a false alarm.
The Pentagon has carried out a number of airstrikes against the Iranian-backed militias in retaliation.
