WH Officials stand by Iran swap despite rising attacks by Iranian proxies
OAN’s Brooke Mallory
6:15 PM – Monday, November 27, 2023
In the wake of increased attacks on United States soldiers by Iranian proxies, White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said on Monday’s Fox News program “The Story” that the Biden Administration does not regret its previous hostage deal with Iran.
“74 attacks is quite a bit. And whether or not it’s intended for the U.S.S. Mason, it’s not a pretty picture that we’re looking at… of attacks on U.S. military forces. Do you ever — do you think the White House has any regrets about the five-for-five hostage and prisoner release and the $6 billion that went to Iran in September, just a few weeks before all of this started?” asked host Martha MacCallum.
“No. We got five Americans back home with their families, where they belong. Those kinds of decisions are always tough for any commander-in-chief to make. The president’s always going to put a priority on getting Americans home,” Kirby responded.
MacCallum then chimed back in, asking, “You don’t think it gave Iran sort of a green light that these kind of things were not going to be pushed back on significantly?”
Kirby said in response, “This wasn’t the first time Iran has wrongfully detained Americans and held them. And we weren’t — aren’t the first administration to do negotiations to get our Americans home. And again, you and I have talked about the 6 billion…that money cannot be touched by the regime. It can only be used for vending, through approved contractors, [for] humanitarian assistance. The regime never touches that money, and none of it…has been touched.”
Back in October, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also claimed that the $6 billion in funds that were unfrozen in September during the U.S.-Iran prisoner swap have not yet been spent by Iran, according to Reuters.
Additionally, Blinken voiced that he had “not yet seen evidence that Iran directed or was behind this particular attack, but there’s certainly a long relationship.”
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Is there evidence to support the claim that the previous Iran deal may have given Iran a green light to continue its aggressive behavior
Article Title: White House Coordinator for Strategic Communications Defends Previous Iran Deal Amid Increased Attacks
Introduction:
In response to the escalating attacks on United States soldiers by Iranian proxies, White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, defended the Biden Administration’s previous hostage deal with Iran. Kirby made these remarks during an appearance on Fox News’ program “The Story” on Monday. Despite the recent hostilities, Kirby asserted that the administration does not regret its decision. This article will explore Kirby’s statements and the ongoing debate surrounding the Iran deal.
Background:
The Biden Administration has faced significant criticism and scrutiny over its decision to pursue diplomatic relations with Iran. The deal, consisting of a five-for-five hostage and prisoner release and the release of $6 billion in frozen funds, was executed in September 2023. The recent surge in attacks on US military forces has led many to question the efficacy of this agreement and its potential impact on national security.
John Kirby’s Defense:
During his interview with Martha MacCallum on Fox News, Kirby was questioned about the Biden Administration’s stance on the previous Iran deal. When asked if the White House regretted the prisoner release and the funds sent to Iran, Kirby firmly responded with a negative. He emphasized that the decision to prioritize the safe return of American citizens, even through negotiations, is a tough choice for any commander-in-chief. Kirby maintained that the president stands by his commitment to bring Americans home.
Green Light for Iran’s Aggression:
MacCallum pressed further, suggesting that the previous deal may have given Iran a green light to continue its aggressive behavior. Kirby acknowledged that wrongful detainment of Americans by Iran is not unprecedented, and negotiations to secure their release have occurred in previous administrations. Furthermore, Kirby reiterated that the $6 billion released to Iran cannot be directly accessed by the regime but is designated for approved contractors and humanitarian assistance. He emphasized that none of the funds have been utilized by the regime.
Secretary Blinken’s Remarks:
In support of Kirby’s statements, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also commented on the issue. In October, Blinken remarked that the $6 billion in unfrozen funds have not been spent by Iran. Though he did not directly link Iran to the recent attacks, Blinken acknowledged the longstanding troubled relationship between the two countries.
Conclusion:
Amid escalating attacks on United States soldiers by Iranian proxies, the Biden Administration remains steadfast in its defense of the previous Iran deal. Both John Kirby, White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, and Secretary Antony Blinken assert that the decision to release hostages and unfreeze funds was made with the best interests of American citizens in mind. However, critics argue that the deal may have inadvertently provided Iran with a sense of impunity, encouraging further aggression. As the situation evolves, it will be crucial to monitor the administration’s approach and evaluate the long-term consequences of their diplomatic efforts with Iran.
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