US Considers Releasing USD 6 Billion in Frozen Iranian Funds Through Qatar: Report

The United States is exploring a plan with Qatar to release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets for humanitarian purposes, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The move is being considered as part of the broader peace framework recently agreed upon by Washington and Tehran to ease tensions in West Asia.

People familiar with the discussions told the publication that the proposal could provide Iran with access to a portion of its estimated USD 100 billion in frozen funds held around the world. The first tranche under consideration would involve the USD 6 billion currently held in Qatar.

Qatar's Proposed Role in Humanitarian Purchases

Under the proposed arrangement, Qatar would use funds drawn from Iran’s frozen assets to purchase humanitarian goods, including food and medicines, requested by Iran’s central bank. The assets largely comprise revenues from Iranian oil sales that have remained inaccessible because of international sanctions.

The reported initiative represents one of the earliest financial incentives linked to the recently signed peace pact between the United States and Iran. However, the plan has not yet been finalised.

Meanwhile, Qatar has reaffirmed its support for diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran. The Gulf nation continues to advocate negotiations and peaceful dialogue to resolve outstanding issues between the two countries, particularly after a scheduled round of technical talks in Switzerland was cancelled following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending hostilities in the region.

Switzerland Talks Postponed as Peace Framework Advances

Qatar’s position was reiterated during discussions between Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis at the Burgenstock Resort in Switzerland on Friday.

On Thursday, Switzerland confirmed that the planned talks involving the United States, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan had been postponed.

Responding to an email from ANI, the Swiss Foreign Ministry said: "The planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed. Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks. The relevant preparatory work at Burgenstock is continuing. No further information can be provided at present."

The recently signed 14-point MoU between the US and Iran calls for an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations, including in Lebanon, and commits both sides to concluding negotiations on a final agreement within 60 days, with the option of extension by mutual consent.

The framework also envisages the gradual removal of US naval restrictions, the safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz without charge for an initial 60-day period, and technical discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme.

In addition, the agreement outlines phased sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, US Treasury waivers for Iranian oil exports, and a US-backed reconstruction and economic development programme for Iran.

(With inputs from ANI)