Synopsis: In 1979 Iran entered into a deal to purchase arms from the United States. Then Iran had a power change and the United States reneged on the deal but kept the $400 million payment. Eventually the United States and Iran negotiated a return of the money for slightly more than an inflation adjusted value, around $1700 million.
Opinion: From Iran's point of view, this was an extraordinarily risky "investment". If the money had been in the DJIA it would have appreciated to $29000 million and been at less risk. Discharging the obligation for only $1700 million seems like a huge negotiating win for the US.
Opinion: From Iran's point of view, this was an extraordinarily risky "investment". If the money had been in the DJIA it would have appreciated to $29000 million and been at less risk. Discharging the obligation for only $1700 million seems like a huge negotiating win for the US.