Did the US pay ransom to Iran for release of American prisoners?

Ronald Reagan was embarrassed by a swap with Iran of arms for American hostages. Did the Obama Administration make a similar trade?

US Secretary of State shakes the hand of Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian

Photo: US State Department

In January of this year, the US and Iran reached their nuclear deal and Iran had released four American prisoners. President Obama said it was time to resolve a dispute over an arms deal made before the Islamic revolution overthrew the Shah of Iran. It was worth $1.7 billion. What Obama did not say was that $400 million in cash had already been airlifted to Iran. Today, the White House says the timing was coincidental — denying that ransom was paid for the release of the prisoners. Jay Solomon is reporting the story for the Wall Street Journal.