The U.S. is waiving sanctions to allow the transfer of $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds as part of a prisoner exchange agreement. Under this deal, five American citizens who are currently detained in Iran would be released.
There are currently conflicting statements coming from the U.S. and Iran on how the country will be able to use the unfrozen assets.
The U.S. says the money can only go toward humanitarian purposes, however, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi says the country will use the money however it sees fit.
In an NBC exclusive interview, Raisi told Lester Holt that the money belongs to the Iranian government and people, so it’s their money to spend freely.
“Humanitarian means whatever the Iranian people needs,” Raisi said. “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.”
The U.S. and Iran are at odds on many political fronts. Iran is helping Russia in the war in Ukraine, and its nuclear programs are seen widely as secretive and advancing.
The initial agreement determined back in August was five detained Americans for five detained Iranians plus removing sanctions on $6 billion.
The Biden administration touted the deal for bringing home wrongfully detained Americans, however some Republicans have criticized the added $6 billion in the agreement.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, posted on X, calling the deal blackmail.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas similarly criticized the deal.
“Today’s news confirms there has already been a side deal including a $6 billion ransom and the release of Iranian operatives,” Cruz said in a statement.
Up until now, the $6 billion has been held in South Korean banks. The Biden administration told Congress on Monday, Sept. 11, it issued a waiver to transfer the money to Qatar, which has been mediating the deal.
Iran can access the unfrozen funds from Qatar, and will be able to use the money however it wants from there — despite direction from the U.S.