WASHINGTON: The Israel-Hamas war that began Saturday morning is still continuing. The Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has declared its support for Hamas in the attack. They also clashed with Israeli forces in the border. Meantime, six billion dollar’s US-Iran deal is back in talks as the Hamas-Israel conflict intensifies.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had on Sunday said that Iran has yet to spend a single dollar of the 6-billion-dollar funds handed over in connection with the US-Iran swap deal in September. There is no evidence that Iran is behind the Israel-Hamas war. However, Blinken clarified yesterday that there is definitely a connection. Following this statement, the US-Iran deal is gaining attention.

What is Iran’s prisoner swap deal?
This is the agreement approved by US President Joe Biden last August for the exchange of Iran-US prisoners. Iran was given six billion dollars as fund to release five US citizens captured by Iran. Meantime, five Iranians imprisoned in the United States were released. Iran still hasn't received the 6-billion-dollar fund. The fund is overseen by the Central Bank of Qatar. The fund is presently in Doha.

Blinken said no US money is involved in the war. As per the prisoner exchange agreement, the US authorities clarified that the money can only be used for human humanitarian purposes. The money is still in Doha and not a penny has been spent from it. This money will not go to Iran. The US Treasury Under Secretary said that in the future, it can only be used for humanitarian activities.

Criticisms
Meantime, many are linking Biden's Iran deal to the Israel-Hamas war. They claim that either Biden or the US taxpayers are paying for the attacks against Israel. Nikki Haley, the 2024 Republican presidential candidate said allowing Iran access to those funds under any circumstances improves its budget situation, freeing up money that would be used to use elsewhere. Hamas and Iran know this. Nicky said they know the money is going to be released.