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(Photo: AP)
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The press uncovered the Iran-Contra scandal in November 1986. The complicated affair consisted of three parts: The Reagan administration sold arms to Iran, which was seeking out materials for a lengthy war against Iraq. In exchange for the arms, Iran was to use its influence to help negotiate the release of American hostages held in Lebanon. The third element involved the funds raised by the selling of the arms, which were channeled to Nicaraguan rebels ("Contras") fighting against the Sandinista government.
These actions by the Reagan administration violated a number of American laws and policies: Arms sales to Iran were prohibited; the U.S. government had forbidden ransom for hostages; and it was illegal to fund the Contras above Congressional limits.
There were three investigations into the Iran-Contra scandal. The first was by a commission appointed by President Reagan, the second by Congress (which was televised in 1987) and a final inquiry by a special federal prosecutor.
Several members of the Reagan administration were convicted on charges brought by the prosecutor, including Mr. Reagan's national security adviser, Adm. John Poindexter, and his deputy, Lt. Col. Oliver North, who's conviction was later set aside on appeal. The president himself was never charged with any offense, although opinions differed about his knowledge of the affair.
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