"Biden Administration Faces Backlash for Allowing Iran Access to Billions Amidst Criticism"
The Biden administration has extended a sanctions waiver allowing Iran to access approximately $10 billion from Iraq for electricity purchases. The waiver, signed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is identical to the one issued in July. The funds, held in escrow accounts in Iraq, can only be used for humanitarian trade. The extension also permits Iran to transfer the electricity payments to accounts in Oman, which can then be converted to other currencies for non-sanctioned purchases. US officials argue that the waiver is necessary to prevent Iraq from losing a critical source of energy. The State Department defends the extension, stating that the funds can only benefit the Iranian people and that Iran would continue its destabilizing activities regardless of the waiver.