Iran has said Qatar is set to release $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets, despite the United States maintaining that no sanctioned funds have been transferred.
President Masoud Pezeshkian said the funds form part of $12 billion in Iranian assets held in Qatar and that preparations are underway to return half of the amount to Iran.
“Necessary follow-ups are being carried out,” Pezeshkian was quoted as saying by the state-run IRNA news agency, adding that the release was part of plans already agreed between the parties.
His remarks mark the first public confirmation by a senior Iranian official that the funds could soon be made available. However, US officials have continued to deny that any frozen Iranian assets have been released.
The announcement comes as tensions remain high between Tehran and Washington despite a ceasefire reached earlier this year. Over the weekend, Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain following American strikes on Iranian military sites.
Iran has also warned that negotiations with the United States could be suspended if further military action continues.
Qatar has played a key mediating role in efforts to ease tensions between Iran and the United States, including facilitating discussions aimed at reducing conflict in the Gulf.
The status of Iran’s frozen assets has remained a central issue in diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington, with any potential release expected to be closely watched as negotiations continue.
