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Today in History: Oliver North gets suspended sentence probation community service

7/5/2026

30 5

Summary

Story summary

On July 5, former National Security Council aide Oliver North was sentenced to a suspended prison term, placed on probation and ordered to perform community service for his participation in the Iran-Contra affair, the 1980s scandal where senior Reagan officials illegally sold arms to Iran and used the proceeds to fund Nicaraguan Contra rebels.

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Story summary

On July 5, former National Security Council aide Oliver North was sentenced to a suspended prison term, placed on probation and ordered to perform community service for his participation in the Iran-Contra affair, the 1980s scandal where senior Reagan officials illegally sold arms to Iran and used the proceeds to fund Nicaraguan Contra rebels.