The United States is reportedly exploring a mechanism to allow Iran access to $6 billion in frozen assets held in Qatar as Washington and Tehran begin implementing a newly signed 14-point memorandum that includes sanctions relief and economic measures.
US President Donald Trump (File image: IANS)
The United States is exploring a plan that could give Iran access to billions of dollars in frozen overseas assets, with an initial focus on the $6 billion currently held in Qatar, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The proposed financial arrangement is among the early measures being considered following the signing of the 14-point memorandum between Washington and Tehran. The agreement outlines a framework for ending hostilities and advancing negotiations on a broader settlement between the two countries.
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People familiar with the discussions told the newspaper that the proposal remains under development. If implemented, it would allow Iran to use part of an estimated $100 billion in assets frozen across different countries due to sanctions.
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Under the reported plan, funds held in Qatar would be used to pay for humanitarian supplies requested by Iran’s central bank. Qatar would purchase items such as food and medicines using money drawn from Iranian assets that originated from oil revenues blocked overseas under sanctions.
The discussions come as Doha continues to push for diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran.
Qatar renewed its support for negotiations between Washington and Tehran during talks 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.
According to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides discussed efforts aimed at addressing unresolved issues through peaceful dialogue.
The 14-point memorandum commits both sides to an immediate and permanent halt to military operations, including those linked to developments in Lebanon. It also sets a target of concluding negotiations on a final agreement within 60 days, with an option for extension through mutual consent.
The document states that the United States will begin lifting its naval blockade and related restrictions. Iran, in turn, will facilitate the free passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for an initial 60-day period.
The agreement also provides for technical discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme during that period.
The agreement further envisages phased sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian funds, waivers for Iranian oil exports, and American support for reconstruction and economic development efforts in Iran.
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