President Donald Trump has touted the framework to end his war with Iran as a great deal for the American people, and he and his officials have insisted Iran won't "get a dime" until they follow through on their obligations. But new reporting suggests Iran has already received money under the table.
According to a report from Israel Hayom, a month ago, the Trump administration secretly approved a deal where Qatar transferred cash to Iran in exchange for a promise of safe passage for Qatari ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
This clandestine deal "dovetailed with Doha's interest in opening a direct channel of communication with Tehran, which began to tighten after the ceasefire. Qatar, fearing a renewed Iranian attack on its facilities after one of its gas installations was attacked during the war, sought to buy security quiet," said the report. It also came as the U.S. was desperate to get traffic moving through the Strait, as the shutdown of the critical shipping artery has disrupted world oil exports.
The reporting instantly provoked an explosive reaction from social media commenters.
"CORRUPT," wrote former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), a former lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard.
"Bloody hell — US colluded with Qatar and Iran to undermine its own blockade. This is nuts," wrote Dr. Nafeez Ahmed, a British reporter with the Byline Times.
"I believe it. The lies and spin have been since day one," wrote podcaster Peter Grandich. "But as long as the stock market remains up and family and friends make billions, to heck with the long-term implications."