The Secret Initiative to Iran: A Risk Worth Taking

🔑The secret initiative aimed to establish a better relationship with Iran, end terrorism, and secure the release of hostages.

✨The decision to proceed with the initiative involved risks, but the potential rewards, such as ending the Iran-Iraq war and bringing Iran back into the community of responsible nations, justified it.

🌍The initiative was deeply controversial, with differing views within the administration, but the President believed in the correctness of his decision.

🤐Due to national security concerns and the safety of hostages, some details of the initiative cannot be publicly disclosed.

💪The President took full responsibility for the decision and acknowledged the controversy surrounding it.

Did the US trade weapons for hostages?

—No, the US did not trade weapons for hostages. The goal of the secret initiative was to secure the release of hostages and establish a better relationship with Iran.

Did the initiative violate the arms embargo on Iran?

—No, the President stated that the US would observe the arms embargo and that the shipments made as part of the initiative did not alter the military balance.

Was Israel involved in the initiative?

—The US had no involvement with other countries' shipments of arms to Iran. The idea to restore relations with Iran existed before the current administration, but the US acted independently in pursuing the initiative.

Why was the initiative kept secret?

—Due to national security concerns and the safety of hostages, the initiative was limited to a select group of officials. Some information cannot be publicly disclosed to protect ongoing negotiations and individuals involved.

Was the President's decision controversial?

—Yes, the President acknowledged that the decision was controversial. While some supported the initiative, others disagreed with sending any weapons to Iran. The President believed in the correctness of his decision and the potential for positive outcomes.

00:08The President begins by addressing the secret initiative to Iran and the goals behind it.

01:47There were differences within the administration on how best to proceed, particularly regarding exceptions to the arms embargo.

03:43The President answers a question about whether his Chief of Staff discussed resignation, stating there have been no discussions about resignation.

07:20The President is asked about the credibility of his statements and the impacts on his presidency.

13:40The President clarifies the US's role in the shipments of arms and asserts that they did not condone shipments from other countries.