Hillary Responds to Former Iranian Prisoner Accusing Her of ‘Inflaming Tensions’

Hillary Clinton yesterday reacted to Iran’s release of four imprisoned Americans with great praise, but still pushed for more sanctions on Iran due to its ballistic missile program “violating UN Security Council resolutions.”

In response, Shane Bauer––a Mother Jones reporter and one of the American hikers detained in Iran in 2009––tweeted out some pretty strong criticisms of Clinton and Iran in general:

Wow, who is calling for new sanctions on Iran in the wake of this major breakthrough? Trump? Cruze? Nope. Clinton! https://t.co/StIsQ2siev

— Shane Bauer (@shane_bauer) January 17, 2016

When I was in prison in Iran, whenever I heard Hillary's voice, my heart would sink. All she ever does with Iran is inflame tensions.

— Shane Bauer (@shane_bauer) January 17, 2016

Seriously, why would Hillary call for more sanctions *now*? As far as we know, 4 of the Americans are still in Iran. Totally irresponsible.

— Shane Bauer (@shane_bauer) January 17, 2016

Do you suggest that by criticizing Clinton I am excusing the Iranian gov't? You know I did 2 years in prison there? https://t.co/XnSktka5Ni

— Shane Bauer (@shane_bauer) January 17, 2016

On CNN’s State of the Union this morning, Jake Tapper asked Clinton for her response. Clinton said that while she “appreciate[s] what he went through when he was held prisoner,” the United States has a very important partnership to pursue with Iran.

She insisted that Iran’s missile activity is still troubling and the U.S. needs to take a firm stand.

Clinton said there might be a “misunderstanding of what our whole agreement consists of,” saying that while the U.S. is working closely with Iran, there needs to be consequences if the government does not do what it agreed to.

Watch above, via CNN.

[image via screengrab]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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