Biden Faces Backlash Over Iran Prisoner Swap Deal to Free Jailed Americans

President Biden is facing criticism from Republicans for a prisoner swap deal with Iran to free 5 jailed Americans.
Biden administration openly acknowledged the link between unfreezing Iranian funds and releasing US prisoners. Other administrations denied concessions to free hostages.
Past presidents like Reagan, Obama and Trump also made deals and concessions with Iran, North Korea and other countries to release detained Americans.
US law prohibits paying ransom to terrorists but allows concessions to states holding American hostages.
Advocates say deterring hostage-taking requires collective action like sanctions on "abductor states", but so far strategy is lacking.

nbcnews.com

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