On September 11, 2023, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) expressed strong disapproval of an agreement between the United States and Iran, which would result in the release of prisoners and the unfreezing of $6 billion of Iranian funds.

What Happened: In a series of tweets, Graham stated, “I am always glad when Americans are released from captivity.

However, this agreement will entice rogue regimes, like Iran, to take even more Americans hostage. The ayatollah and his henchmen are terrorists and truly represent a terrorist state.”

Graham said that one of the “oldest rules” is that you “don’t negotiate with terrorists.”

He further added, “Billions of dollars will now flow to the ayatollah and the terrorist regime in Iran. They are being rewarded for their outrageous behavior. At multiple levels, this will make America, and Americans, less safe.”

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Why It Matters: The agreement has been a point of contention among politicians. Three high-ranking House Republicans, including House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul, House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, previously voiced their concerns over potential national security threats from this agreement.

They criticized the deal for releasing $6 billion in frozen funds to Iran in exchange for the release of five American prisoners. The Republicans argue that this agreement could potentially violate the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act and have accused the Biden administration of striking a secret nuclear understanding with Iran. The administration, however, has denied these allegations.

Furthermore, the Republicans caution that the deal could fund Iran’s military activities, which have included seizing U.S.-bound oil tankers and supporting Syrian militias that attack American troops. They also warn that such agreements could lead to more hostage situations in the future.

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