US Sells Arms to Iran: Iran-Contra Scandal Exposed
The Lebanese magazine Ash-Shiraa revealed on November 3, 1986, that the United States had been secretly selling weapons to Iran, a country under an American arms embargo, in exchange for the release of American hostages held by Hezbollah in Lebanon. The story got worse: proceeds from the arms sales were being funneled to Contra rebels fighting the socialist Sandinista government in Nicaragua, in direct violation of the Boland Amendment, which Congress had passed to ban such aid. National Security Council staffer Oliver North had orchestrated the scheme. Attorney General Edwin Meese revealed the diversion on November 25. Reagan claimed he knew nothing. Fourteen administration officials were indicted. North and National Security Advisor John Poindexter were convicted but had their sentences reversed on appeal.
November 3, 1986
40 years ago
Key Figures & Places
United States
Wikipedia
Iran
Wikipedia
Lebanon
Wikipedia
Iran-Contra Affair
Wikipedia
hostage
Wikipedia
Ash-Shiraa
Wikipedia
Iran–Contra affair
Wikipedia
Iran–Contra affair
Wikipedia
Lebanon
Wikipedia
Ash-Shiraa
Wikipedia
Iran
Wikipedia
Hostage
Wikipedia
Ronald Reagan
Wikipedia
Yasser Arafat
Wikipedia
عباس أبو شقرا
Wikipedia
What Else Happened on November 3
Constantius II spent years hunting Julian — exiling family members, executing rivals, building an empire where only he could rule. Then a fever won. Dying at Mo…
A Persian captive named Piruz Nahavandi assassinated the second caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, while he led morning prayers in Medina. This sudden death triggered…
William Rufus marched on Rouen to seize his brother Robert's capital, only to watch his assault crumble in a chaotic riot. The failed coup forced the English ki…
Giovanni Villani watched his city drown. The Arno surged so violently in 1333 that Florence lost bridges, buildings, and hundreds of lives in a single catastrop…
Charles the Bold’s Burgundian forces razed Liège to the ground, systematically dismantling the city’s fortifications and burning its architectural treasures. Th…
Henry VII and Charles VIII signed the Peace of Etaples, ending English military intervention in Brittany. By securing a substantial annual pension from the Fren…
Talk to History
Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.