Trump, Hegseth Rip Obama For Gifting Iran with Cash, Weapons
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sharply criticized former President Barack Obama over the weekend, accusing his administration of providing Iran with large sums of cash that they claim ultimately strengthened Tehran’s military capabilities. According to Trump and Hegseth, the funds helped Iran advance missile technology and acquire weapons later used to threaten U.S. forces and allied installations across the Middle East.
Their comments come as the United States and Israel enter the fourth week of Operation Epic Fury, a campaign described by administration officials as an effort to weaken Iran’s military infrastructure following claims that Tehran is rebuilding elements of its nuclear weapons program.
Speaking at the FII PRIORITY Summit on Friday, Trump renewed his criticism of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action negotiated during the Obama administration. Trump argued that the deal allowed Iran to continue pursuing nuclear capabilities while benefiting financially from sanctions relief and settlements.
Trump specifically referenced the $1.7 billion payment delivered to Iran during the implementation of the agreement. He described the funds as cash transported by aircraft and argued that the payment enabled Iran to finance hostile activities. Trump framed the move as an example of the broad authority held by the presidency, while also reiterating his belief that withdrawing from the deal during his first term prevented Iran from advancing further toward nuclear weapons.
At the time, the Obama administration defended the payment as part of a legal settlement tied to a pre-1979 arms deal. The dispute dated back to the Iranian Revolution, when the United States halted delivery of military equipment that Iran had already paid for after the overthrow of the Shah and the rise of the new Iranian government. U.S. officials argued that resolving the case helped avoid additional penalties and closed a longstanding legal dispute.
Hegseth echoed Trump’s criticism during a Cabinet meeting at the White House last week, accusing media outlets of downplaying what he described as the consequences of the settlement. He argued that the funds contributed to Iran’s military development and urged greater transparency in reporting on national security threats.
Hegseth also raised concerns about Iran’s missile capabilities, citing a recent incident involving missiles reportedly launched toward the joint U.S.-U.K. military installation on Diego Garcia. Although the missiles missed their targets, officials said the launch heightened concerns about Iran’s potential range.
The Israeli military has previously estimated that some Iranian missiles could reach approximately 4,000 kilometers, placing parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa within potential range. Hegseth argued that the incident suggests Iran’s capabilities may exceed previous public estimates, intensifying concerns among U.S. allies and further fueling debate over how to address Tehran’s growing military reach.