US permanently freezes $6 billion in Iranian assets
The US House of Representatives approved a bill to permanently freeze $6 billion in Iranian assets.
Republican Representative Michael McCaul introduced a bill that would require the Biden administration to permanently freeze $6 billion in Iranian assets that were lifted in connection with the release of five American prisoners. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 307 to 119.
In September of this year, the Islamic Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the exchange of five Iranian prisoners for five American prisoners, and on the same day, approximately six billion dollars in freed Iranian money was transferred from Switzerland to Qatar.
The US House of Representatives also passed amendments to the above-mentioned blocking bill condemning the use of civilians as human shields and anti-Semitic acts by Hamas and Iranian-backed groups. The bill also requires the Biden administration to sanction any entity or organization that attempts to unblock the six billion dollars.
Republican Representative Mike Simpson said of the bill: "This bill would limit Iran's ability to financially support terrorists like Hamas."
Guy Richenthaler, a Republican member of the Iranian House of Representatives, also called the bill a clear message that shows that the Islamic Republic cannot be immune from the consequences of financing terrorism and attacking American forces.
US House of Representatives member Ken Calvert also supported the plan to permanently freeze Iran's assets, saying: "The Biden administration recklessly released these assets. The United States must cut off access to resources that are being used for violence against US forces and its allies."
