Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced that six billion dollars (£4.54 billion) in frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar will be released, as negotiations with the United States resume following a series of attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Pezeshkian's Announcement
Pezeshkian is the highest-ranking Iranian official to reference the release of funds held by Qatar, a key mediator in the talks. He was cited by state-run IRNA news agency as saying: "Based on the plans made, six billion dollars out of the total 12 billion dollars of Iranian resources in Qatar will be released and returned to the country, and necessary follow-ups are being carried out."
The remarks appeared aimed at selling the interim deal to the Iranian public. However, US officials have said that no frozen Iranian assets have been released so far.
Background of the Talks
The announcement comes after talks between Iran and the US were challenged by attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz beginning on Thursday. A US official told The Hill on Sunday that "technical talks are slated to continue on all areas of the MoU [memorandum of understanding]." The official added: "Both sides will stand down for now and vessels can move freely."
The official referenced the 14-point MoU signed by both sides on June 17, which included an immediate end to military operations and the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charges for 60 days. Iran has not commented on reports that it has agreed to halt strikes.
US Military Response
The US military said it struck Iran on Friday in retaliation for an Iranian drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz a day earlier. The situation remains tense as both sides continue technical talks.
