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