The U.S. Emphasizes: Released Iranian Funds Will Only Be Used for 'Medicine, Food, and Non-Sanctioned Items'

On Friday, August 11, a day after the news of the transfer of 5 American prisoners from the prisons of the Islamic Republic to a 'safe house' in exchange for the release of 6 billion dollars of Iran's blocked funds in South Korea, the U.S. emphasized that the Islamic Republic would not have free access to these funds. John Kirby, the Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council of the White House, stated on Friday that the released Iranian funds are subject to restrictions and will only be used for 'non-military' purposes such as 'the purchase of food and medicine.' According to Reuters, John Kirby clarified that the United States will closely 'monitor' how the released Iranian assets, estimated at around 6 billion dollars, are used and will prevent these funds from being spent for 'military purposes.' Some Republicans expressed concern that, alongside the transfer of Iranian funds from South Korea to Qatar, the Islamic Republic could indirectly support its 'nuclear program' or 'militant groups' with this money. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that this agreement does not provide the Islamic Republic with 'any reduction in sanctions.' Earlier, Antony Blinken confirmed positive progress in the prisoner exchange agreement and stressed that such diplomatic efforts do not 'diminish' the U.S. resolve to counter the 'destabilizing actions' of the Islamic Republic in the region. Users reacted to the potential release of dual-national hostages, stating that the Islamic Republic's policies are akin to piracy. Kamibiz Tavana noted that many dual nationals are still imprisoned in Iran. The U.S. stated that the released Iranian funds are for the purchase of non-sanctioned items, while users called it 'shameful.' The European Union welcomed the change in the status of Iranian-American prisoners. A review of the events of August 10 regarding the 'path to freedom' for dual-national hostages in Iran was also presented. The first reaction from South Korea to the U.S.-Iran agreement was hopeful for a smooth implementation. The Deputy of Raisi stated that until the complete transfer of six billion dollars, American prisoners will remain in Iran. Blinken reiterated that diplomatic efforts do not lessen the U.S. resolve to counter the Islamic Republic's destructive actions in the region.