Iran Seeks Release of $12 Billion in Qatar Assets Before Talks Advance

Iran is demanding the immediate release of $12 billion in frozen assets held in Qatar before talks with the United States can continue, Iran International reported on Sunday night. A source with direct knowledge of the negotiations told the outlet that the asset release is the only immediate obstacle to advancing a potential Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries.

The same source added that Tehran seeks the unfreezing of all its assets as part of any final comprehensive agreement.

April a senior Iranian source told Reuters that the United States had agreed to release Iranian assets held in Qatar. S. official denied the claim at the time. A second Iranian source later said the United States had agreed to release $6 billion of the funds, Reuters reported.

The draft MOU, referred to as the Islamabad Declaration by Al Arabiya, would begin a 60-day ceasefire extension and allow for further talks during that period. If approved by Iran's Supreme National Council, the document would go to Mojtaba Khamenei for final approval.

The draft specifies that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen without tolls and that Iran would clear mines it had placed there. In exchange, the United States would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and waive some sanctions, allowing Iran to sell oil freely.

Nuclear issues and Iran's enriched uranium stockpile would remain under negotiation, though the MOU would require Iran to stop pursuing nuclear weapons. The draft also addresses the war in Lebanon, stating that the conflict would end and that if Hezbollah refrains from attacks, Israel would do the same.