$6 billion in frozen Iranian assets released as part of US prisoner exchange

The assets that were previously withheld as part of Washington’s sanctions against the ayatollah regime are expected to eventually be transferred to Iran as part of an American-Iranian prisoner exchange.

Tehran recently agreed to release five detained U.S. citizens in exchange for releasing frozen Iranian assets in South Korea. In addition, Washington has reportedly also agreed to release a number of Iranian prisoners.

Israel has been firmly opposed to Washington unfreezing Iranian assets, warning that such a move will only fuel continued Iranian nuclear threats and terrorism export.

“Israel’s position is known. Arrangements that do not dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure do not stop its nuclear program – and only provide it with funds that will go to terrorist elements sponsored by Iran,” warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

Saeed Ghasseminejad, FDD Senior Iran and Financial Economics advisor blasted the Biden administration for appeasing the Iranian regime.

“The significant increase in Iran’s oil exports and production is the result of the administration’s policy of maximum deference. As Washington’s financial leverage over Tehran erodes, proponents of appeasement argue that conciliating the regime is the only way to avoid war. They use a crisis of their own making to justify a policy that undermines U.S. national interests,” stated Ghassemineiad.

Some pundits believe that releasing frozen Iranian assets could potentially facilitate a new nuclear agreement with Tehran. However, critics argue it will only embolden the Iranian regime to step up its efforts to develop nuclear weapons.