Iran has a history of taking American hostages that goes back to 1979 and the Carter Administration.
The latest group of hostages – five Iranian-Americans – were held in Tehran’s Evin Prison for several years. Their charges were based upon violating sanctions against the Muslim country.
That was until President Joe Biden agreed to pay $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds, according to the Associated Press, to the Iranian government to move the Americans from prison to house arrest.
Many, including Sen. Katie Britt, are concerned that the payment will fuel Iran’s global reach as the most preeminent state sponsor of terrorism.
“While I will always join my fellow Americans in welcoming home our citizens held hostage around the world, I’m deeply troubled by the naive ‘deal’ the Biden Administration reportedly struck,” said Britt (R-Montgomery). “Handing $6 billion to the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism is a reckless and dangerous decision that threatens the lives of Americans and our allies across the globe.”
She believes the precedent that is being set by the ransom payment will make the U.S. more vulnerable to similar situations.
“This appeasement will only embolden our adversaries and invite hostile actors to take more American hostages in the future, as they know doing so could score them massive payouts from this Administration,” Britt said.
Britt then drew attention to the Biden administration’s foreign policy disaster regarding the botched withdraw from Afghanistan.
“As we near the anniversary of his disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, President Biden has once again shown the world that his failed foreign policy is built on a foundation of weakness,” she said.
“It’s time to get back to achieving peace through strength.”
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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