Question

In the Iran–Contra Affair, why were weapons sold to Iran, which was designated a state sponsor of terrorism in 1984? Check all that apply.

1.to support moderate factions in the Iranian government
2.to undermine communist influence in Iran
3.to help gain the release of U.S. hostages in the Middle East
4.to support Iran in the Iran–Iraq War
5.to try to gain influence in Iran

I have previously asked this one before but did not receive correct answer choices. This one confuses me quite a bit because, the way I understand... This arms deal was meant to secretly fund the Contras in Guatemala but that isn't any of my choices here. If I had to guess, I'd say numbers 1, 2, and 5. Your thoughts?

Answer 1

1, 3 and 5 is correct I got it right on the quiz.

Answer 2

Answer:

1.to support moderate factions in the Iranian government

3.to help gain the release of U.S. hostages in the Middle East

5.to try to gain influence in Iran

Explanation:

During 1985 and 1986, the American government, under the administration of the president Ronald Reagan, sold weapons to the Iranian government when this country was at war against Iraq, and used the money to finance the Nicaraguan Contra, an armed movement that was fighting against the Nicaraguan government. This political scandal was called the Iran-Contra case.

By doing this, the US government sought to support moderate factions in the Iranian government. Another important goal was to liberate American hostages that were kept prisoners in Lebanon by the terrorist group Hezbollah, an Iranian ally. This was an attempt to gain influence in Iran by supporting the moderate factions in power.