On Thursday, the Biden administration secured a deal with the theocratic regime in Iran for the release of five American citizens unjustly detained inside the Islamic Republic. The details of what the Iranians will receive in reward for their belated cooperation remain undisclosed, but one feature of the deal that the administration has telegraphed publicly since at least March involves the unfreezing of roughly $6 billion in Iranian assets impounded by the government of South Korea.
“Iran will not be receiving any sanctions relief,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “Iran’s own funds would be used and transferred to restricted accounts such that the monies can only be used for humanitarian purposes, which, as you know, is permitted under our sanctions.”
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