House Republicans pressed Obama administration officials at a tense hearing Thursday to explain why a controversial $1.7 billion payment to Iran did not constitute “ransom” -- which they warned could find its way into the pockets of terrorists. The administration recently acknowledged having paid Iran $1.7 billion in early 2016 entirely in hard foreign currency. Republicans remained focused on why the money was paid in cash, which is the preferred method of payment of terrorists. Officials said cash payments were an efficient way for the U.S. to give the Iranians “immediate access” to the funds. In addition to hearings, Republicans in Congress are moving forward legislatively to prevent further "ransom" payments to Iran.

Source: Fox News September 08, 2016 19:52 UTC