The United States has reportedly agreed to release $6 billion in Iranian assets that were frozen in foreign banks, including accounts in Qatar. The claim was reported by Reuters as diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States continue in Islamabad.
However, the United States has officially denied the report. A U.S. official stated that no agreement has been reached on releasing the frozen funds. This contradiction has created confusion around the ongoing negotiations.
A senior Iranian official said Tehran had raised the issue of blocked assets through indirect communication with Washington. The Iranian side believes its request for access to the funds has been accepted. The matter is also linked to broader discussions involving security and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Another Iranian source stated that the total amount involved is around $6 billion. These funds are reportedly held in Qatari accounts. However, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has not issued any official response regarding the claim.
The frozen money originates from Iranian oil revenues that were restricted in 2018. At that time, the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran and froze billions of dollars held in South Korean banks.
Later, in September 2023, a prisoner swap agreement mediated by Doha led to the transfer of these funds to Qatar. The deal resulted in the release of five U.S. citizens detained in Iran and five Iranian prisoners held in the United States.
Following renewed tensions after the Gaza conflict began in October 2023, the United States again limited Iran’s access to the funds. Washington stated that Iran would not be allowed to use the money for the foreseeable future.
At present, no final confirmation has been made by either side. Diplomatic discussions are ongoing in Islamabad, where the United States and Iran are reportedly exploring broader solutions to regional and financial disputes.
In other related news also read Gold Drops Rs9,500 in Pakistan amid Iran-US Uncertainty
The situation remains uncertain as negotiations continue. Both sides are expected to issue further statements once progress is made in the talks.
