What was the Iran-Contra affair and when did it occur?
The Iran-Contra affair was a political scandal in the U.S. that occurred between 1985 and 1987 involving secret arms sales to Iran and funding for Nicaraguan rebels.
Questions about Iran–Contra affair
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who were the key figures involved in the Iran-Contra affair during the Reagan administration?
Key figures included President Ronald Reagan, National Security Advisers Robert McFarlane and John Poindexter, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North, and Secretary of State George Shultz.
How did the United States sell weapons to Iran despite the embargo on the 20th of January 1981?
Senior Reagan administration officials conducted a secret study on the 21st of July 1981 and used intermediaries like Manucher Ghorbanifar to facilitate sales through Israel starting on the 20th of August 1985.
Why did Congress pass the Boland Amendment regarding the Contras in October 1984?
Congress passed three amendments between 1982 and 1984 aimed at limiting U.S. government assistance to Contra militants because they prohibited further funding by legislative appropriations.
What happened to Oliver North after he was convicted of crimes related to the Iran-Contra affair?
A jury convicted North of three crimes but overturned the convictions on appeal while his secretary Fawn Hall received immunity from prosecution in exchange for testimony.