Arr, the Iranian prez be tellin' us how he be spendin' a mighty $6 billion from them US prisoners!
2023-09-12
Avast ye scurvy dogs! Iran be plannin' t' spend t' $6 billion doubloons they managed t' recover in a fine prisoner exchange with t' U.S. "wherever we need it," quoth Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on a fine Tuesday. Arrr, me hearties, buckle up!
In a recent interview with NBC News, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi announced that the Iranian government will use the $6 billion gained in a prisoner exchange with the U.S. "wherever we need it." The exchange involves the release of five American prisoners in exchange for the unfreezing of $6 billion in Iranian oil assets that were previously locked up in South Korean banks due to U.S. sanctions.Raisi emphasized that the money belongs to the Iranian people and the Iranian government, so they will decide how to allocate it. He stated that the funds will be used for humanitarian purposes as determined by the Iranian government. However, under the agreement, Iran will only have access to the funds through Qatar's central bank, and the bank will ensure that the money is used solely for humanitarian purposes.
Critics of the deal argue that releasing the funds will only encourage Iran to continue taking hostages. They also point out that the funds were initially frozen because of concerns about Iran's nuclear and military programs. Some skeptics, like Senator Joni Ernst, doubt that Iran will actually use the funds for humanitarian projects.
On the other hand, Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, reassured that the release of funds is part of an ongoing process to secure the release of the wrongfully held Americans. She emphasized that the arrangement is aimed at humanitarian trade and that Congress has been extensively informed about the process.
While Iran has not provided a specific timeline for the release of the American prisoners, Raisi assured that they are in good health and will be released in due time. The prisoner exchange has generated mixed reactions, with concerns about Iran's intentions and doubts about the funds' ultimate use.