US has 'not yet seen evidence' that Iran supported Hamas assault on Israel, Blinken says

Secretary of State Tony Blinken says the U.S. has "not yet seen evidence" that Iran directly supported Hamas' ongoing attack on Israel.

Secretary of State Tony Blinken says the U.S. has "not yet seen evidence" that Iran directly supported Hamas' ongoing attack on Israel.

Blinken made the statement to NBC News on Sunday, referencing widespread criticism of President Biden's recent prisoner exchange that saw the U.S. grant Iran access to $6 billion. Iran is a longtime supporter and funder of Hamas, and many observers have said the access to cash freed up Iran to fund further terrorism.

"There’s a long relationship between Iran and Hamas. In fact, Hamas wouldn't be around in the way that it is without the support that it's received from Iran over the years in this specific instance. We've not yet seen evidence that Iran directed or was behind this particular attack, but there's certainly a long relationship," Blinken said Sunday.

Despite Blinken's denial, the BBC has reported that Hamas spokesman Ghazi Hamad told the outelt that Iran gave its support to the terror group for Saturday's attack.

Blinken went on to deny that the $6 billion in funds to Iran could have been used to support Hamas. He highlighted that the funds are currently held by Qatar, which will only grant Iran access to the money for humanitiarian purposes.

Critics have argued that money is fungible, however, and that the cash will free up Iran to use its other funds for terrorism.

"As of now, not a single dollar has been spent from that account," Blinken said of the $6 billion in funds.