There are growing concerns that the $1.7 billion payment the United States released to Iran last week amounted to a ransom for the freedom of American hostages held by the Islamic Republic, The Wall Street Journal reported (Google link) Thursday.
According to the Journal, the money was wired to Tehran at around the same time that the regime allowed thee American captives– Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, Marine veteran Amir Hekmati, and Cristian pastor Saeed Abedini– to depart the country on a Swiss air force jet. Two other Americans were also freed, though one chose to stay in Iran. In exchange, the U.S. released seven Iranians charged or convicted for smuggling prohibited items to Iran and other crimes. Washington also agreed not to pursue 14 other Iranians, including two wanted for transporting troops and weapons to Syria in support of dictator Bashar al-Assad.



















