(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) In a Monday statement, John Kirby, the National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, clarified the timing of the Iran deal announcement on the 22nd anniversary of 9/11.
Kirby emphasized that the timing of a prisoner swap deal was not tied to the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, addressing scorching criticism marring the Biden administration.
“Not tied to 9/11,” Kirby told Fox News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich of the infamous deal. “Not tied to the UN General Assembly. Simply tied to the hard work over months and months and months by diplomats to secure this release.”
The deal in question involved the Biden administration and the Iranian government, resulting in the release of five detainees.
Heinrich previously pressed Kirby on the specifics of the contentious deal, which included a whopping $6 billion payout.
Biden spokesman John Kirby: The announcement on 9/11 that the administration was unfreezing $6 billion for Iran – a leading state sponsor of terror – was “not tied to 9/11.” pic.twitter.com/EvdlPy2d4Z
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 18, 2023
During a White House press conference on Sept. 13, Heinrich asked Kirby, “Didn’t they also get five Iranians?” to which Kirby replied, “Yeah.” Heinrich further inquired, “Then why did we need to add $6 billion dollars on top of that?” Kirby defended the deal, stating, “This is the deal that we were able to strike.”
Despite Kirby’s dubious excuses, the deal drew ire from prominent conservative leaders, including former President Donald Trump.
“So, lets get this straight! We did a hostage TRADE with Iran. We gave them 5 very tough, smart people that they desperately wanted. We likewise got back 5 people BUT, we also gave them 6 BILLION DOLLARS!” Trump said on Truth Social.
“How much of a kickback does Crooked Joe Biden get? Does anyone realize how much money 6 Billion Dollars is?”
In response to the backlash, the Biden administration attempted to conceal the money transfer, claiming the $6 billion was not a payment but rather Iranian funds.
“This isn’t a payment of any kind,” a National Security Council official claimed. “These aren’t U.S. dollars. They aren’t taxpayer dollars, they are Iranian dollars the previous Administration allowed them to make.”
The timing of the Iran deal announcement coincided with another controversy for the Biden administration, as Biden traveled to Alaska on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Alaska trip ignited criticism from veterans.
