WASHINGTON, Thursday, January 14, 2016 – The release of 10 American sailors detained by Iran regime may have quickly resolved one crisis, but it spurred a political firestorm as Obama administration officials called it a diplomatic victory while critics declared it proof that Iran cannot be trusted according to the Boston Herald report.
The political battle comes within days of “Implementation Day” under the Iran nuclear agreement, when international officials are expected to certify that Iran has sufficiently downsized its nuclear program to trigger sanctions relief.
But Republicans called it evidence that Iran, soon to benefit from as much as $100 billion in international sanctions relief, remains a threat.
“The Revolutionary Guards — the same radical forces that held these 10 sailors — that force and their proxies control many of the industries that will benefit from the influx of hard currency and new investment,” said House Foreign Relations Committee chairman Rep. Ed Royce, (R-Calif.). Royce said he “expressed concerns that there would be no push-back from the administration when it comes to Iran’s aggressive behavior.
“This has unfortunately proven correct,” Royce said, noting despite the nuclear deal, Iran has only increased its aggressive behavior, including ballistic missile tests.
GOP criticism was fueled by Iran’s release of a video showing a sailor apologizing, saying, “It was a mistake. That was our fault, and we apologize for our mistake.” That was after Kerry said no U.S. apology was given.
“It’s cringe-worthy,” said Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institution, adding that despite the nuclear deal, Iran retains “a political environment in which it’s encouraged to have an antagonistic relationship with the United States.”
A senior State Department official said “it’s too soon to make an assessment” of the impact on other diplomatic efforts, such as freeing detained U.S. civilians. That may be harder to negotiate once sanctions are lifted.
“I don’t think we will be able to replicate that kind of leverage,” Maloney said.
