Sen. (R-S.C.) stands by his previous controversial statement accusing President Biden of having “blood on his hands” following Hamas’s attacks on Israel. He asserts that he does not regret criticizing the White House’s prisoner swap with Iran.
During an interview on ABC News’s “This Week,” Scott expresses his conviction, stating, “I don’t actually, I’m a happy warrior without any question. But we are now in the midst of a conflict, and so the warrior requires responsibility to start at the top.”
Scott continues to elaborate on his statement, highlighting the connection between Biden’s perceived weakness and the conflict initiated by Hamas. Specifically referencing the negotiations with Iran, Scott argues, “Six billion for hostages only creates a bigger market for Americans abroad.”
Interrupted by co-anchor Jonathan Karl, Scott insists on making his point, stating, “Let me finish, Jon. That money — we know Hamas’s first thank you was to Iran. Ninety percent of their money comes from Iran. Put those pieces of the puzzle together. That’s why the administration froze those dollars just last week.”
As a candidate in the Republican presidential primary race, Scott has been actively critical of the Biden administration’s decision to release $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds, especially considering Israel’s conflict with Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and other countries.
Last month, the Biden administration agreed to unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian funds in exchange for the release of five wrongfully detained American citizens. This decision involved granting clemency to five Iranians and issuing a waiver for international banks to facilitate the transfer of $6 billion from frozen Iranian oil sale proceeds in South Korea to a bank in Qatar.
Following Hamas’s attack, which resulted in over 1,400 deaths, mostly civilians, the $6 billion deal faced renewed scrutiny. Iran, a long-time supporter of Hamas, is believed to have redirected resources to the terrorist organization with the anticipation of increased funds.
The claim made by Scott that Biden is “complicit” in Hamas’s attacks garners criticism from Karl, who describes it as “beyond the pale.”
Scott responds by emphasizing the consequences of negotiating with Iran for the release of hostages, drawing a parallel to Obama’s $400 million cash payment to Iran that was criticized as ransom for hostages by Republicans.
Stressing the impact of weakness in American leadership combined with negotiations with the leading state sponsor of terrorism, Scott declares, “Yes, it creates complicity.”
While acknowledging that the perpetrator ultimately bears the responsibility, Scott argues that Biden cannot be exempted from being perceived as “complicit and responsible.”
Under mounting pressure, including from lawmakers like Scott, the U.S. reached an agreement with the Qatari government to block Iran’s access to the $6 billion.
Scott has always been a proponent of U.S. sanctions on Iran. Earlier this year, he co-sponsored the Solidify Iran Sanctions Act (SISA), which aims to make the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, limiting funding for Iran’s energy sector, permanent.
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