The Iran-Contra Diversion Is Publicly Disclosed
On November 25, 1986, the Reagan administration publicly disclosed that proceeds from arms sales to Iran had been diverted to support the Nicaraguan Contras.
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The Event
On November 25, 1986, the Reagan administration publicly disclosed that proceeds from arms sales to Iran had been diverted to support the Nicaraguan Contras.
The Wider Story
The revelation widened a scandal already involving secret arms dealings. Congressional inquiries, independent investigations and legal proceedings followed.
Putting the Event in Perspective
An announcement of a diversion was not a final judicial finding about every official.
Reading the Historical Record
The account should separate what was disclosed that day from later testimony, charges, reversals and conclusions.
About the Historical Recreation
The accompanying visual is an illustrative reconstruction: a 1986 Washington press-room microphone and an anonymous archive of closed government files. It is not authentic archival footage, an eyewitness record or additional evidence for the event.
Sources
- Remarks Announcing the Review of the National Security Council's Role in the Iran Arms and Contra Aid Controversy | Ronald Reagan — Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
- Press Briefing. Statement by President Reagan on Resignation of Admiral Poindexter and Sale of Arms to Iran (Iran-Contra) Press Room (Remarks by Ed Meese) | Ronald Reagan — Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
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