Obama administration reveals an additional $1.3 billion was paid to Iran after initial $400 million transfer

The U.S. transferred $1.3 million to Iran after original payment.
(Image credit: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)

The U.S. paid Iran an additional $1.3 billion in the 19 days after an original, controversial $400 million payment was made to the Islamic Republic, congressional officials briefed by the Treasury and Justice departments told The Wall Street Journal. The payments, the first of which was reportedly used to leverage for the release of American prisoners held by Iran, were transferred through Europe and date back to a 1979 failed arms deal. Like the initial $400 million payment on Jan. 17, the subsequent $1.3 billion was paid in cash deliveries of Swiss francs, euros, and other foreign currencies.

Republicans have accused the Obama administration of paying "ransom" to Tehran to secure the release of the detained prisoners, a charge President Obama has denied. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) introduced legislation Tuesday that would prevent payments to Iran in the future as well as force Iran to return billions in reparations for terrorist attacks planned or sponsored by the government.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.