Representative Mike Gallagher, Chairman of the House China Committee, has taken the lead in a effort involving nearly 100 House lawmakers, made up of mostly Republicans and a sizable group of Democrats.
In a letter to President Biden, they have called for the immediate refreezing of the $6 billion in Iranian assets released last month, citing concerns over the potential use of these funds to support terrorism.
This move comes in response to a complex web of recent developments.
In September, the Biden administration initiated a prisoner exchange agreement with Iran, leading to the release of $6 billion in previously frozen Iranian assets. Under this deal, five American citizens detained in Iran were released in exchange for five Iranian citizens held in the United States.
This agreement also created a waiver that allowed the transfer of these funds from South Korea to Qatar without violating U.S. sanctions, with the stipulation that the funds should be used for humanitarian purposes like food and medicine.
Trump says “Crooked Joe” Biden must take back and freeze the $6 billion released to Iran:
“Freeze it Joe, you dumb person.”
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) October 12, 2023
This diplomatic exchange unfolded just weeks before the eruption of a devastating conflict initiated by Hamas terrorists against Israel.
The deadly attacks have resulted in an overwhelming human toll, with over 1,200 innocent Israelis murdered, thousands wounded, and numerous others abducted.
Disturbing reports and videos have emerged showing innocent civilians being dragged into the Gaza Strip.
A Hamas terrorist murdered her grandmother, filmed it, and posted the clip on Facebook
🔴Read the full story: https://t.co/4Tmxzd5MBS pic.twitter.com/O5k6taCsuj
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) October 12, 2023
Notably, over 20 Americans have lost their lives in these attacks, and an undisclosed number remain hostages in Gaza. This dire situation has spurred an urgent bipartisan call to action, amplifying concerns over Iran’s involvement.
While the Biden administration maintains that there is no direct evidence linking Iran to the recent attacks by Hamas, critics argue that a complex web of connections between Iran and the terrorist group warrants a closer look.
Reports in the Wall Street Journal suggest that Iranian security officials approved Hamas’s attack plans during a meeting in Beirut, raising questions about the depth of Iran’s involvement in the conflict.
One key figure involved in the situation is Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei, who declared, “This cancer [Israel] will definitely be eradicated.” These words, combined with the actions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), are further raising suspicions about Iran’s role in supporting Hamas.
The IRGC is reported to have been involved in planning and providing the “final go-ahead” for Hamas’s attacks on Israel, heightening concerns among policymakers.
