Summary
The article discusses President Trump's criticism of former President Barack Obama for giving Iran $1.7 billion in 2016. Obama explained that the money was part of a legal settlement over a decades-old dispute and was not linked to hostage negotiations. The payment, made in cash, was due to the lack of a banking relationship with Iran.
Key Facts
- President Trump criticized Obama for giving Iran $1.7 billion and ending the Iran Nuclear Deal.
- Obama said the payment to Iran was a settlement of a dispute over a failed 1970s military equipment deal.
- The $400 million initial payment was sent one day after American hostages were released in January 2016.
- Obama denied the payment was a ransom for hostages, stating it was announced months earlier.
- The money came from the U.S. Treasury's Judgement Fund, used for settling legal claims.
- The payment was in cash due to U.S. sanctions and the inability to use banking channels with Iran.
