Iranian sources claimed on Saturday that the United States agreed to release $6 billion of frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar and other banks.
A senior Iranian official described the move as a sign of “seriousness” in ongoing talks in Islamabad, linking the unfreezing directly to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Another Iranian source confirmed that the funds originated from oil sales to South Korea and had been blocked since 2018 when Washington reimposed sanctions. The money was later transferred to Qatari accounts under a prisoner swap deal in 2023, but frozen again after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
The U.S. quickly denied the claim. A senior American official stressed that Iran cannot freely access the funds and reiterated that any disbursement remains restricted to humanitarian purposes such as food, medicine, medical equipment, and agricultural goods. Washington emphasised that oversight by the U.S. Treasury ensures compliance with these limitations.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The issue has become central to the Islamabad talks, where both sides are negotiating under the shadow of a fragile two-week ceasefire.
The dispute underscores the complexity of U.S.–Iran relations, where financial assets, sanctions, and regional security intertwine. While Tehran views the unfreezing of funds as essential leverage, Washington insists on strict humanitarian restrictions. The outcome of these talks could shape the future of regional stability and global energy security.
