Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez expressed concerns about the Biden administration's decision to unfreeze $6 billion for Iran in exchange for the release of five U.S. prisoners, stating that it may encourage hostile nations to take more Americans hostage in the future.
The Biden administration's decision to carry out a prisoner exchange with Iran, involving issuing a waiver to release $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds, has sparked outrage from Republicans who accuse Biden of paying a ransom to a state sponsor of terrorism.
The Biden administration is disputing Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's claim that Iran will decide how to use the $6 billion in frozen funds released by the US in a prisoner exchange deal, stating that the funds can only be used for humanitarian purposes and will be under strict oversight.
President Biden is facing criticism from Republicans over a prisoner exchange deal with Iran that grants Tehran access to frozen oil revenues in exchange for the freedom of five imprisoned Americans, a trade-off that previous administrations have also made.
Former President Trump criticizes President Biden's deal with Tehran to bring five Americans home from Iranian prisons, stating that he successfully brought 58 hostages home without paying anything and warns that paying for hostages sets a dangerous precedent.
Former governor and Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie criticized President Biden's prisoner exchange deal with Iran, stating that giving $6 billion to a terrorist state was unacceptable and would make Americans more vulnerable.
The Biden administration's chief negotiator on Iran, Robert Malley, hired at least three individuals who were working to influence U.S. foreign policy on behalf of Iran's Foreign Ministry, which is now raising concerns and prompting an FBI investigation.
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy is urging President Biden to refreeze $6 billion in Iranian funds, criticizing the Biden administration's prisoner swap and decision to unfreeze the funds, which many Republicans believe has supported Iran's military and terrorism efforts.
Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn is calling for the US to provide weapons to Israel in response to recent Hamas terrorist attacks, criticizing the Biden administration's weak response and perceived appeasement of Iran.
A group of Senate Republicans, led by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, is urging the Biden administration to refreeze the $6 billion in Iranian assets intended for humanitarian purposes, as they claim there is a risk the funds could be used to support terrorism.
Senator Marsha Blackburn calls for the $6 billion in Iranian assets released by the Biden administration to be redirected to Israel for rebuilding after Hamas' attack.
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib criticizes President Joe Biden for not taking more action to restrain Israel in the conflict with Hamas and show concern for Palestinian civilians caught in the violence.
Senate Republicans are expressing objections to President Joe Biden's nominee for U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, due to his role in the Iran nuclear deal during the Obama administration. Despite their objections, Lew's confirmation can proceed if Democrats remain united.
