Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Gulf Nations Paid Kushner, Iran War Triggers Probe

5/15/2026

35 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE paid hundreds of millions—tens of millions—to Jared Kushner's firm Affinity Partners, but money yielded no influence after President Donald Trump ordered a war on Iran.
The war caused civilian deaths, damaged infrastructure and hurt tourism in three Gulf states.
Rep. Jamie Raskin led Democrats in opening an April probe of Kushner.
Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) has missed all votes since April 17 with no explanation.

History

Historical Context

The Iran hostage crisis began on 4 November 1979 when 66 U.S. diplomats were seized in Tehran, prompting President Carter to freeze about $8 billion of Iranian assets on 14 November. After 444 days of captivity, the Algiers Accords of January 1981, brokered by Algeria, secured their release and entrenched a lasting U.S. sanctions regime against Iran.

1 of 2

Story summary

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE paid hundreds of millions—tens of millions—to Jared Kushner's firm Affinity Partners, but money yielded no influence after President Donald Trump ordered a war on Iran.
The war caused civilian deaths, damaged infrastructure and hurt tourism in three Gulf states.
Rep. Jamie Raskin led Democrats in opening an April probe of Kushner.
Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) has missed all votes since April 17 with no explanation.

1 / 2