"Those families know we have a policy that we don't pay ransom," Obama said. A furor erupted after The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday on the circumstances and timing of a cash payment to Iran. Confirming the US offered the payment in cash, Obama nevertheless downplayed the delivery's significance, saying it was not a "nefarious" deal. Washington (CNN) President Barack Obama on Thursday dismissed suggestions a $400 million payment to Iran amounted to a ransom paid in return for the release of American hostages. Asked whether the Americans would have been released without the cash payment, one official said, "it is unknowable."

Source: CNN August 04, 2016 19:27 UTC