STICKING IT: Iran President: Spending $6B ‘Wherever We Need It’

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has affirmed that the $6 billion in previously frozen assets, released in exchange for five American prisoners, will be utilized “wherever we need it,” diverging from U.S. assertions that these funds are earmarked solely for humanitarian purposes. In an exclusive interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt, Raisi emphasized that the money belongs to the Iranian people and government, thus granting Iran the autonomy to determine its allocation. He also conveyed that the American prisoners are in “very healthy” condition and will be repatriated shortly.

Contrary to Raisi’s statement, the families of the prisoners contest the assertion regarding their well-being, citing mistreatment and prolonged interrogations. Siamak Namazi, incarcerated since 2015, disclosed enduring solitary confinement for the initial 27 months of his captivity, while his brother, Babak Namazi, alleged physical abuse.

The prisoner exchange agreement enables Tehran to access $6 billion in Iranian oil revenues previously frozen in South Korean banks due to U.S. sanctions. Under this arrangement, Qatar’s central bank is designated to oversee the funds, permitting Iran to utilize the money exclusively for humanitarian purposes in accordance with U.S. sanctions.

However, Raisi asserted that “humanitarian” encompasses the Iranian people’s necessities, signifying that the Iranian government will allocate the funds according to its citizens’ requirements. Additionally, the prisoner exchange entails the release of five Iranians detained in the United States.

The process commenced with the American prisoners being placed under house arrest on August 10, contingent upon the transfer of funds to Qatar’s central bank. The Biden administration officially notified Congress of the clearance for the exchange and issued a waiver allowing international banks to transfer the money to Qatar without the risk of U.S. sanctions.

Iran vehemently rejects allegations from the United Nations and human rights organizations that the detained Americans were apprehended on false charges, maintaining their stance on the legitimacy of their actions.

{Matzav.com}