Iran-Contra Affair 1985-1987: Reagan Scandal — Reading Comprehension

The Iran-Contra Affair was a major political scandal in the United States from 1985 to 1987. During President Ronald Reagan's administration, secret deals and controversial decisions led to a crisis that challenged the nation's laws and the public's trust in government. The affair began when senior U.S. officials secretly sold weapons to Iran, which was under an arms embargo, and used the profits to fund anti-Communist rebels called Contras in Nicaragua. This action violated several U.S. laws and policies.

One reason the Reagan administration made these secret deals was its intense desire to stop the spread of communism in Central America. Reagan and his advisers believed supporting the Contras would prevent Nicaragua from becoming a firm ally of the Soviet Union, America's rival in the Cold War. However, Congress had passed the Boland Amendment, which specifically forbade U.S. assistance to the Contras. This created a conflict between the executive branch's foreign policy goals and the legislative branch's legal restrictions.

Another motivation for the secret arms sales was to help free several American hostages held by groups in Lebanon. Reagan hoped that providing weapons to Iran, which had influence in Lebanon, might lead to the hostages' release. Yet, this approach involved negotiating with countries and groups that the U.S. officially considered adversaries. Critics argued that such deals encouraged more hostage-taking and undermined American principles.

The affair came to light in 1986 when a Lebanese magazine reported the arms sales. Investigations by Congress and independent prosecutors revealed a complicated web of actions involving high-ranking officials like National Security Council staff member Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North. North helped organize the secret transfer of funds and weapons, often destroying documents to hide the operation. The Reagan administration initially denied any wrongdoing, but mounting evidence forced them to admit the truth. President Reagan later said, "A few months ago, I told the American people I did not trade arms for hostages. My heart and my best intentions still tell me that's true, but the facts and evidence tell me it is not." This quote reveals the conflict between leaders' intentions and the actual consequences of their actions.

The Iran-Contra Affair had serious consequences. Several officials were indicted and convicted, although many were later pardoned. The scandal raised questions about the balance of power in the U.S. government and the importance of accountability. Supporters argued that Reagan and his team acted out of patriotic motives to fight communism and save lives. Critics saw the affair as an abuse of executive power and a violation of democratic principles. The controversy forced Americans to consider the limits of presidential authority and the need for government transparency.

In the aftermath, Congress strengthened oversight of foreign policy and intelligence activities. The affair showed how complex and sometimes contradictory the U.S. government's actions could be, especially during the tense years of the Cold War. The Iran-Contra Affair remains a powerful example of how public officials must balance security, law, and ethical responsibilities.

Interesting Fact: In 1992, President George H.W. Bush pardoned several key figures in the Iran-Contra Affair, including former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger.

When did the Iran-Contra Affair occur?

Who was U.S. President during the scandal?

Which country received secret U.S. arms sales?

Why did officials fund the Contras?

What did the Boland Amendment forbid?

What effect did the affair have?

The Iran-Contra Affair was legal. True or false?

What does 'accountability' mean in this passage?