Staff Reports
The pressure is on for President Biden as more Democrats are calling for the freeze of $6 billion in cash that is slated to be released to Iran. Moderate Democrats, Senators Jon Tester and Joe Manchin, have both spoken out, expressing the need to freeze the funds in light of the recent terrorist attack in Israel, which has been linked to Iran. Tester, who serves as the chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, stated that the U.S. should explore ways to hold Iran accountable for any support it may have provided to Hamas. He suggests freezing the $6 billion and exploring other financial tools available. Manchin, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, reiterated his lack of support for the initial $6 billion transfer and called for additional sanctions on Iran. He also emphasized the need to support Israel and impose severe sanctions on any country or government found to be supportive of Hamas.
Pressure Builds on Biden to Freeze $6 Billion in Iranian Cash as Democrat Senators Join Push via @BreitbartNews https://t.co/kYUAM75Tpz
— Chris ?? (@Chris_1791) October 11, 2023
The push to freeze the funds has gained support from Republican senators as well. Approximately 20 Republican senators have written a letter to President Biden urging him to rescind the waivers that allowed the funds to be moved and transferred. They also called for restrictions on access to the Iranian funds in order to show solidarity with Israel. Despite the growing pressure, the White House has stated that it has no plans to freeze the funds.
It is clear why freezing the funds is necessary. Iran’s complicity in the terrorist attack on Israel, as well as its support for Hamas, cannot go unnoticed. It is imperative that actions be taken to hold Iran accountable and ensure the safety and security of our ally, Israel. Freezing the $6 billion in cash is a necessary step, along with implementing additional sanctions. President Biden must reconsider his stance and take the appropriate actions to address this critical issue. The safety and security of Israel, as well as our national security interests, demand it.
