US Releases $3 Billion in Frozen Iranian Assets Amid Indirect Qatar Talks

According to a Saudi report published by Al Arabiya on Wednesday, the United States has agreed to release three billion dollars of frozen Iranian assets held worldwide. The funds are expected to be transferred from Qatar, where six billion dollars in Iranian assets are currently held. The agreement reportedly came despite Iran refusing direct talks with the US, instead negotiating through intermediaries in Qatar.

The report states that Iran pressured the US by threatening to halt any further progress unless the funds were immediately released. Contrary to former President Donald Trump's public statements, the money will likely go directly to Iran rather than being routed through the US for humanitarian aid. This raises concerns that Tehran could use the funds to finance terrorism across the Middle East and rebuild its military capabilities, which have been significantly weakened.

The amount released nearly doubles the sum that former President Barack Obama freed in 2015 following the nuclear deal and Iran's related commitments. In contrast, the Trump administration is releasing these funds without any Iranian nuclear concessions and before negotiations have even begun. An Iranian official was quoted saying, "We can use this money for any purpose and in any currency."

Additionally, negotiations continue regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which Iran effectively controls. Oman has proposed charging fees for passage through the strait in cooperation with Iran, a move that would contravene international maritime law. Delegations are expected to return to their countries to discuss this Omani proposal further.