The Iran-Contra affair was one of the biggest political scandals of American politics in the 1980s. It erupted in November 1986 when it came to light that then-President Ronald Reagan and several leading members of his administration were involved in the clandestine sale of arms to Iran, which was then subject to an arms embargo. Their plan was to improve relations with Iran, which was to lead to the release of six American hostages held by the Lebanese group Hezbollah. The plan soon turned into a hostage trade, and part of the proceeds were to be diverted to fund the Contras group, an anti-communist guerrilla in Nicaragua. Although Reagan was a supporter of the Contra, due to the mystery that still surrounds the case, there is currently no solid evidence that he approved the funding.
Reagan admitted in a televised address that the sale of weapons had taken place, denying the hostage trade. Several commissions of inquiry were set up, but found no direct connection, as Reagan's aides destroyed or concealed a large number of documents.
