Rep. Meeks Statement on WSJ Iran-Hostage Report

Rep. Meeks Statement on WSJ Iran-Hostage Report

New York, NY—Senior Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, issued the following statement regarding the Wall Street Journal’s report alleging the Obama Administration sent money to Iran in exchange for the release of four Americans:

"The WSJ report unfortunately spins a previously announced settlement of a U.S.- Iran dispute at the Hague as if it were a secret deal or ransom. While that makes for sensational reporting, it distorts the facts. President Obama himself publicly remarked on the settlement months ago. Subsequently, the $400 million was essentially a return of funds Iran paid prior to the revolution for U.S. military equipment that was not delivered. Those funds were stored in a trust fund and released with a negotiated interest payment.

"I believe strongly in diplomacy. This settlement and the other diplomatic steps – releasing American citizens, implementing the Iran deal - that the Obama administration simultaneously but separately negotiated to peacefully resolve longstanding issues and prevent Iran from having nuclear weapons were all in the best interest of our nation."