Attorney General Miyares has urged the Biden Administration to stop funding Iran's terror networks, joining a 12-state coalition in a letter demanding the halt of funding after the Administration renewed a sanctions waiver allowing Iran access to $10 billion in frozen assets. Miyares expressed concern over the decision, stating, "The Biden Administration’s decision to grant Iran access to $10 billion in frozen assets is a dangerous move that will only serve to embolden the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism."
The coalition of attorneys general, including Miyares, emphasized their duty to enforce state money-laundering and terrorism statutes in response to the Administration's plan to grant Iran access to frozen accounts in Iraq, Oman, and Europe. The attorneys general highlighted Iran's history of funding terrorist groups and using violence to destabilize regions, with Miyares asserting, "Iran has a long history of funding terrorist groups and using violence to destabilize the region, and this move only risks facilitating its destructive actions. I refuse to turn a blind eye as the Biden Administration gambles with our homeland security."
Iran's role as a global bank for terrorism was underscored by the coalition, citing the country's funding of terrorist proxy groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. The attorneys general pointed out Iran's involvement in funding Iraqi terror groups responsible for the killing of three Americans in Jordan. They also raised concerns about Iran's attempts to destabilize economies, disrupt international shipping routes, and unleash terror on Israel and Europe using the frozen funds.
Attorney General Miyares was supported by the attorneys general of Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah in urging the Biden Administration to cease funding Iran's terror networks. The coalition's letter serves as a call to action to address the risks associated with granting Iran access to frozen assets, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding national security interests.