Trump: We have given money to Iran, they buy non-American goods

Donald Trump, the controversial frontrunner for the Republican primary, criticized the U.S. government's policies towards Tehran and stated that in his opinion, Iran knows where Robert Levinson is. During a speech on March 6, he said that the 'weakness' of the United States in relation to Iran is 'unprecedented.' He then addressed the issue of lifting sanctions and the release of Iran's frozen assets, stating, 'We have given them $150 billion, to a terrorist government, and they have spent most of this money on non-American products.' Previously, Reuters reported that Iran had gained access to $100 billion of its frozen assets worldwide due to the lifting of sanctions, most of which has been used to pay off Tehran's obligations and debts. John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, stated at the beginning of March that the amount of cash Iran would receive after the implementation of the nuclear agreement would be 'less than $50 billion.' Tehran denies supporting terrorism. Trump continued his remarks by saying, 'For example, they bought 118 large aircraft from Airbus; not from (American aircraft manufacturer) Boeing. They spent a lot of their money in Europe, bought missiles from Russia... but here (in America) they have not spent anything.' The United States lifted nuclear sanctions against Iran following the implementation of the 'Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.' From the perspective of the Barack Obama administration, the nuclear agreement blocks Iran's path to nuclear weapons. On the other hand, prominent Republican figures in the U.S. have repeatedly expressed their skepticism about this agreement and its results. Non-nuclear U.S. sanctions, including those related to accusations of terrorism support and human rights issues, remain in effect. Boeing recently announced that it has received authorization to communicate with Tehran from Washington. Trump then addressed the issue of Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran nine years ago. The Republican nominee stated that he believes Iranian officials know exactly where he is. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution on March 1, calling on Iran to 'as a humanitarian act' fulfill its commitment to help find Robert Levinson, the former FBI agent. Mr. Levinson's family has also increased their efforts in this matter. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, previously stated, 'What we know is that he is not imprisoned in Iran. If he is (in Iran), he is not imprisoned by the government.' The U.S. has offered millions of dollars in rewards for information that could help locate Levinson. A White House spokesperson stated at the end of February that officials in Washington believe he is no longer in Iran.