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The release of frozen assets forms part of a memorandum of understanding signed by Tehran and Washington on June 17.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian (AFP file photo)
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday said that $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar would be released as negotiations between Tehran and Washington faced fresh strain following attacks across the Persian Gulf over the weekend.
Pezeshkian is the highest-ranking Iranian official to publicly refer to the release of the funds, which are part of a wider agreement under discussion between Iran and the US. However, US officials have maintained that no frozen Iranian assets have been released so far.
According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agencyPezeshkian said, “Based on the plans made, $6 billion out of the total $12 billion of Iranian resources in Qatar will be released and returned to the country, and necessary follow-ups are being carried out.”
His remarks appeared aimed at reassuring the Iranian public about progress under the interim agreement.
Tensions cloud negotiations
The president’s comments came as the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US came under renewed pressure. Both sides have exchanged attacks across the Gulf in recent days.
Iran launched drone and missile strikes targeting Bahrain and Kuwait on Sunday after fresh US airstrikes against the Islamic Republic. Tehran also warned that it would bring negotiations to a “complete halt” if Washington continued its military attacks.
The release of frozen assets forms part of a memorandum of understanding signed by Tehran and Washington on June 17. The agreement is intended to lay the groundwork for 60 days of negotiations covering broader issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and possible sanctions relief.
The most recent round of discussions between Iranian and US delegations took place in Switzerland on June 21, with representatives from four countries attending the talks.
Frozen funds remain a key issue
The assets held in Qatar were generated through Iranian oil sales but have remained inaccessible because of US sanctions.
Iran’s total frozen assets held in overseas accounts are estimated to be between $100 billion and $120 billion, consisting largely of accumulated oil revenues and foreign reserves blocked over decades of sanctions.
Qatar currently holds around $12 billion in Iranian funds and, alongside Pakistan, has acted as a mediator in efforts to facilitate negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
The Gulf nation has also played a central role in discussions over the financial aspects of the proposed agreement.
(With inputs from agencies)
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