The Hill, 19 JAN 2016 – Washington is grappling with a whirlwind weekend of U.S.-Iran developments.
On Saturday, the United States lifted sanctions on Iran after the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog certified Tehran fulfilled its end of the nuclear agreement.
That same day, five Americans were released from Iranian custody in a prisoner swap and the United States placed new sanctions on Iran for ballistic missile tests. On Sunday, the U.S. paid $1.7 billion to Iran to settle an outstanding claim.
Republicans are raising questions about the prisoner swap and the settlement payment. And Democrats vowed to stay vigilant to ensure Iran complies with the nuclear deal.
Tuesday, the White House rejected claims that the payment and swap were tied. White House press secretary Josh Earnest said critics are wrong to call it a “ransom” for the American prisoners.