US frees up billions in sanctions relief to Iran as Tehran proxies wreak havoc in region

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White House national security advisor John Kirby on Friday said the funds from a sanction waiver extended this week by the Biden administration to permit Iraq to purchase energy from Iran will not go to its "mullahs."

"None of this money goes to the mullahs. None of this money goes into Tehran. The sanctions relief that is provided actually goes to vendors that provide humanitarian assistance to the Iranian people," he told Fox News White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, during a Friday press briefing. "Not only do the Iraqi people not suffer because of this, the Iranian people aren't going to suffer because of this."

"That allows for Iraq to be able to work its way off of Iranian energy so that they can keep the lights on," Kirby said.

The Biden administration on Thursday came under criticism after it again extended a sanction waiver despite repeated pushback from those concerned that Iran could misuse the funds.

In an email to Fox News Digital, a State Department spokesperson said, "Under these waivers, no money has been permitted to enter Iran."

BIDEN ADMIN UNDER PRESSURE TO STOP BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN SANCTIONS RELIEF TO IRAN

"Money goes straight to the trusted vendor or financial institution in another country.  The money never touches Iran," the spokesman added in reference to the