US House Blocks $6 Billion for Iran

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – The United States House of Representatives agreed Thursday to block Iran from ever accessing the $6 billion recently unfrozen by the US in a prisoner swap.

The measure — titled the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act — passes 307-119.

Republicans seek to hold the Biden administration accountable for what they call their complicity in funding Iranian-backed terrorism in the Middle East.

The U.S. and Iran reached a tentative agreement in August that eventually saw the release of five detained Americans in Tehran and an unknown number of Iranians imprisoned in the U.S.

But days after the October 7 attack by Hamas, which killed about 1,200 people, the U.S. and Qatar agreed that Iran would not be able to access the money.

Washington says Iran sponsors terrorism, including groups such as Hamas.

It has remained unlikely that the Democratic majority in the Senate would approve the motion. The measure also threatens to sanction any government or individual involved in processing the funds transfer.

Democrats seek to keep the door open to negotiations with Iran over crucial measures such as Tehran’s nuclear program.

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