US withheld cash until Iran released American prisoners: report

U.S. officials wouldn’t allow Iranians to take control of $400 million in cash sent to the country earlier this year until three American prisoners had left Iran, according to a new report.

 

After a Swiss Air Force plane carrying the three Americans left Tehran on Jan. 17, an Iranian cargo plane with the cash was allowed to return from Switzerland, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing U.S. officials and others briefed on the operation.

 

The report is likely to spur new questions from Republicans about the controversial payment. Republicans have accused the administration of paying a ransom to free the detained Americans.

 

Read More: US withheld cash until Iran released American prisoners: report | TheHill