Arr, why be ye pressin' the White House spox 'bout Iran's $6 billion booty, whilst Hamas be causin' mayhem in Israel?
2023-10-10
Arr, ye scurvy scallywags! National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby be claimin' that the good ol' U.S. o' A. hasn't yet divvied up the $6 billion o' Iranian booty they unfroze last month, says he, whilst talkin' to the swashbucklers over at 'America's Newsroom.' Avast!
The Biden administration has been criticized for unfreezing billions of dollars worth of Iranian assets, as critics argue that it has provided resources for Hamas to carry out attacks on Israel. National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby was questioned by FOX News' Bret Baier on why the $6 billion released last month during a prisoner swap deal has not been refrozen, given concerns about Iran's support for Hamas. Kirby responded that none of the funds had gone into Iran and that they were intended for humanitarian assistance and medical and food supplies for the Iranian people, rather than the regime. The money was transferred from a South Korean bank to accounts in Qatar and is subject to U.S. oversight. Baier raised concerns about Iran's ability to cash in on its oil around the world without sanctions, but Kirby emphasized that sanctions were being enforced and that the Biden administration had added more. He also stated that there has always been a review of Iran policy and a focus on holding Iran accountable for its destabilizing activities. The discussion took place against the backdrop of escalating violence between Israel and Hamas, with Israel declaring war after Hamas militants initiated an incursion near the border and launched thousands of rockets from the Gaza Strip. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of both Israelis and Palestinians.