Iran-Contra affair

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Iran-Contra affair (Irangate) US political scandal (1987–88). It involved a secret agreement to sell weapons to Iran via Israel, in order to secure the release of US hostages in the Middle East. The profits were diverted to support the Nicaraguan Contra, who were attempting to overthrow the Sandinista government. Colonel Oliver North, who negotiated the deal, plus several other officials, were later convicted of various charges, including obstructing Congress. In 1992, they were controversially pardoned by George Bush.

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