Iran Demands Release of Frozen Assets as Precondition for US Nuclear Talks in Qatar

A US delegation, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrived in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday to initiate negotiations with Iran. However, Tehran has taken a firm stance, insisting that the release of $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets is a prerequisite for any direct talks with Washington. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei emphasized that Iran rejects direct negotiations without this condition and called on the US to fully implement all clauses of the current interim agreement before discussing a permanent deal.

The talks, mediated by Qatar, have reached an impasse reminiscent of the maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. While the US demands Iran demonstrate compliance to justify asset release, Iran remains steadfast. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed no high-level meetings between the US and Iran are planned, and the frozen funds remain under Qatar’s custody.

In addition to the diplomatic deadlock, Iran has sharply criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its director Rafael Grossi, accusing him of making political statements instead of focusing on his professional duties amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles and compliance with international obligations.

The diplomatic strain has also spilled into the sports arena, with Baghaei accusing the US administration of politicizing the FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar, turning the tournament into a political tool amid broader US-Iran conflicts. On the security front, Iran warned against foreign intervention in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, cautioning that external involvement would exacerbate regional tensions following recent attacks on oil tankers.

Qatar is reportedly coordinating closely with Oman, located on the western coast of the Strait, to ensure the safe passage of civilian and commercial vessels. Iran’s current position appears to leverage both the threat to energy shipping lanes and nuclear negotiations to pressure the Trump administration into significant economic concessions before peace talks can proceed.