But the regime cannot explain how it can “guarantee the funds would not somehow be funnelled into Iran’s terror campaign,” and they will. Money is fungible. If US taxpayer money is used for “humanitarian” purposes in Iran, other money is freed up for the mullahs’ jihad. This isn’t really rocket science here, yet these simple truths repeatedly elude the likes of Vedant Patel.
“US Continues To Evade Details Of Iran Deal,” Iran International, August 15, 2023:
US officials remain tight-lipped on the release of $6bn of frozen funds from South Korea to Iran as questions on its use remain unclear.
In the latest US State Department press briefing, Vedant Patel continued to push the line that the funds would primarily be used for “humanitarian” purposes, in line with the rules surrounding sanctions.
During a barrage of questions from the world’s media, he said: “It’s Iran’s money and allowing Iran to use such funds for humanitarian purposes is consistent with longstanding US policy to ensure that our sanctions do not prevent humanitarian goods and services from flowing to ordinary people no matter how objectionable or problematic their government is.”
However, the big question is, will the “ordinary people” see any benefit of the released funds, or will it simply get channeled into the regime’s military machine. Iranian officials have said that the funds will be transferred into euros once sent to Qatar, which will mean the US will not have a direct way to track wire transfers from accounts in Qatar that hold the money.
Meanwhile, as Iran International reported this week, additional media reports suggest not only a $6 billion release from South Korean banks, but also the unlocking of frozen funds in Iraq (estimated between $11-12 billion) and over $3 billion from Japan. These funds will be held in Qatar and Oman, designated for Iran’s purchases of essential goods such as food, medicine, and other humanitarian items.
In a bid to calm the storm, Patel said “any kinds of funds that move will be subject to the same rigorous restrictions once it moves out of South Korea”.
Attempting to explain the situation, his attempts were not well received. He added: “The reason these funds are in South Korea in the first place is because the previous administration allowed several countries to continue purchasing oil from Iran and to place those funds in special accounts. These funds have been available to Iran to use for humanitarian transactions, like food and medicine, since the previous administration.”
While Patel acknowledged the very real threat which remains of the regime’s destabilizing actions across the Middle East and beyond, including its provision of drones for Russia’s war on Ukraine and the suppression of human rights in Iran, he offered no answers as to how he could guarantee the funds would not somehow be funnelled into Iran’s terror campaign….
Henry-John Bolden says
There is a saying in Thai, ‘When the sugar cane is in the elephants mouth’………..
somehistory says
The wino on the corner asking for money. “I haven’t eaten in days. Could you spare some change for a sandwich?”
Gullible passerby,” Sure. Here’s a twenty. Get some soup and coffee, too.”
Wino, heading down the sidewalk straight to the nearby liquor store.
there is no way that the mozlums in charge of things in iran will not spend the money from the U.S. taxpayer on terrorism.
MD Anthony says
Any Madrass teaches that extermination of the infidels is a Humanitarian purpose of Islam….
Check it out read the Quran.
As for Shiite Iran… Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini (a better authority on the Koran than anyone else) was able to say, “Islam says: Kill all the unbelievers just as they would kill you all! Islam says Kill them (the non-Muslims), put them to the sword and scatter [their armies]. Kill in the service of Allah those who may want to kill you!” (quoted in “Islam Unveiled” by Robert Spencer, p. 35).
This is the Humanitarian purpose Iranian Mullahs will use the 6 Billion dollars for.
Transmaster says
Talk about Bernie Sanders clones. The only thing they are good at is talking out of their ass.
࿗Infidel࿘ says
What exactly does Iran do that is ever humanitarian? And no, funding Hizbullah’s “social services” do not count!
Fitna says
These things keep happening because they know they’ll never pay any price for helping a terrorist regime. I wouldn’t be surprised if most of the Biden regime gets a bribe from Iran.
Until they’re held accountable, face jail for aiding terrorists, they’ll keep doing it. And who’s going to do it, Republicans? They had the chance…maybe they’re in Iran’s pocket too for all we know.
What is certain is that nobody is acting in the best interest of Americans/taxpayers.
Ade says
As Moe Szyslak would put it :
I don’t wish Biden and SPECIFIC harm
Ade says
#any !
OLD GUY says
Giving $6,000,000,000. billion dollars to Iran will only empower and enrich the leadership of Iran to make more demands and threats. That money will never reach the average Iranian citizen. Only the leaders and power brokers of Iran will see that cash jackpot.
Kenneth Johnson says
Doesn’t Congresxs have any courage,. even a little bit? KEN
Yaakov Holansky says
Just remember how Obama said Qatar was keeping a keen eye on the Five Leader Terrorists he released from Gitmo on the Proviso they stay in Qatar and not return to Afghanistan. It worked so well for the terrorists and the sly Obama. Now his puppet’s doing the same trick!
Troybeam says
It’s a lie pure and simple.