The dictionary editors are busy on the word “ransom.”  The USG under Pres. Biden is taking the position that frozen funds because of Iran’s bad acts can be unfrozen without any consideration (“consideration” is one of the basic concepts from contract law in law school classes).  Second, if we really take the position that these South Korean “frozen” funds should be sent back to Iran, why didn’t we already do it?  Third, and how about the other frozen funds in various banks around the world?  Let’s send those back, too.  Finally, the USG argument also fails because a specific amount, $6B, was chosen–this was the negotiated price for the U.S. hostages.  Here’s the quote of the day by White House coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby.  “This is not a payment of any kind, it’s not ransom, these aren’t US taxpayer dollars, and we haven’t lifted a single one of our sanctions on Iran – Iran will be getting no sanctions relief.”  See “How Iran can use the $6 billion involved in the release of 5 Americans,” CNN, 9-18-23.

Remember, the USG did not insist, nor did Iran agree to, that Iran will stop taking American hostages.  “Five Americans head home in $6bn US-Iran prisoner swap deal,” Guardian, 9-18-23.

“Treasury Designates Former President of Iran,” U.S. Department of Treasury, Press Release, 9-18-23.

Iran kicks out IAEA nuclear inspectors.  “Joint statement on Iran’s de-designation of experienced IAEA inspectors, September 2023,” UK Foreign Ministry, 9-18-23.