Iran–Contra affair facts for kids
The Iran-Contra affair was a big scandal that happened in the United States government between August 1985 and March 1987. It involved the U.S. government secretly selling weapons to Iran. In return, Iran was supposed to help release American hostages held in Lebanon. The money from these secret weapon sales was then used to help fund a rebel group in Nicaragua called the Nicaraguan Contras. This all happened during the time Ronald Reagan was President.
When about 1,500 missiles were sent to Iran, three hostages were set free. However, soon after, three new hostages were taken. The Secretary of State at the time, George Shultz, called it "a hostage Bazaar," meaning it was like a marketplace for hostages.
Who Was Involved?
A person named Oliver North was tried in court because he was seen as taking the blame for the affair instead of President Reagan. However, the court found North to be not guilty.
On March 4, 1987, President Reagan himself spoke to the American people. He apologized and said that the affair was his fault. Later, George H. W. Bush, who became president after Reagan, pardoned (forgave) anyone who was involved in the affair.
While President Reagan supported the Contras, it is not fully clear if he knew about the secret weapon sales to Iran.
The Tower Commission Investigation
On November 25, 1986, President Reagan announced that a special group would look into the Iran-Contra affair. This group was called the Tower Commission. The next day, he chose former Senator John Tower, former Secretary of State Edmund Muskie, and former National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft to be members of this commission.
After their investigation, the Tower Commission stated that they found no clear proof that President Reagan knew about the secret deal to sell weapons to Iran.
Images for kids
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A BGM-71 TOW anti-tank guided missile
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President Reagan (center) receives the Tower Commission Report in the White House Cabinet Room; John Tower is at left and Edmund Muskie is at right, 1987.
See also
In Spanish: Irán-Contra para niños
