US House of Representatives passes bill to block Iran's access to $6 billion
Kyiv • UNN
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that blocks the unfreezing of $6 billion for Iran, citing Tehran's support for Hamas attacks on Israel. The bill aims to prevent the financing of terrorism, with 307 votes in favor and 119 against.
On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that blocks Iran's access to $6 billion recently unfrozen by the US as part of a prisoner swap. prisoner swap. The money was frozen because of Iran's alleged complicity in Hamas attacks on Israel last month, according to the Associated Press, UNN reports.
Details
The bill, titled "Law on the Prohibition of Iranian Terrorism Financing" was adopted with 307 votes in favor, "119 lawmakers voted against.
"With such instability in the region, the last thing we need to do we need to do is provide access to $6 billion that will be to be redirected to finance Iranian-sponsored terrorism," said during the debate, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Republican
It is noted that US officials will open up criticizing Iran, noting that Tehran has not yet received a single dollar, and insisting that when this happens, they can only be used for humanitarian needs.
A number of Democrats who opposed the bill defended the decision of US President Joe Biden's administration to transfer money in exchange for in exchange for American hostages, especially since American hostages are currently being held by hostages are currently being held by Hamas in Gaza.
"Iran, of course, like Hamas, is a murderous and corrupt regime. They are unpleasant. And it's not easy. But thanks to this deal, five American families are now home again," said Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said during the debate. of Representatives.
Context
The deal between Washington and Tehran was concluded in the summer after months of indirect negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials. officials. However, the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas caused criticism of the agreement because of Iran's close ties with both Hamas and the Lebanese militant Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
SEE ALSO: Israeli military officials knew about Hamas attack plan more than a year ago - NYT
