State Department contradicts Obama's account of Iran payment and hostage release

Washington Times:
Contradicting President Obama, the State Department said Thursday that the payment of $400 million to Iran in January was contingent on Tehran’s release of four American hostages.

Asked by a reporter if the U.S. wouldn’t have paid the money until the prisoners were released, State Department spokesman John Kirby replied, “That’s correct.”

While Mr. Kirby didn’t use the word “ransom,” his account differed from Mr. Obama’s assertion last week that there was no link between the payment and the hostages being freed.

“We do not pay ransom,” Mr. Obama insisted.

A top aide to House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, Wisconsin Republican, said the president “owes the American people a full and honest accounting of the ransom payment.”
...
The President has shown a willingness to lie to achieve his domestic political objectives and this is just another example like "If you like your healthcare plan you can keep it" lie.

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