White House Imposes Restrictions on Unfrozen Iranian Funds

The White House has emphasized that there will be restrictions on how Iran can use any funds unfrozen under an emerging agreement, which has led to the release of five Americans from prison to house arrest in Tehran. The United States will have full visibility into the use of the funds, which can only be accessed for food, medicine, and medical equipment without dual military use. The potential transfer of the funds from South Korea to Qatar has drawn criticism from Republicans, who argue that it could indirectly support Iran's nuclear program or back militias in other nations. However, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the deal does not mean Iran will receive sanctions relief.