The United States is exploring collaboration with Qatar to develop a plan for releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets intended for humanitarian expenditures, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Financial Incentive as Part of Peace Pact
According to the American news outlet, this early financial incentive is part of the recently signed peace agreement between Tehran and Washington, sources said. Although the plan is not yet finalized, it aims to grant Iran access to some of its estimated USD 100 billion in frozen cash worldwide, with the first tranche being the USD 6 billion held in Qatar.
Qatar's Role in Purchasing Humanitarian Goods
Under the proposed deal, Qatar would purchase humanitarian goods such as food and medicines ordered by Iran's central bank, using funds drawn from Tehran's frozen assets, including cash from oil sales locked up overseas by sanctions.
Qatar has reiterated its support for launching negotiations between the United States and Iran to address outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means. This comes after the first round of technical talks, scheduled to take place in Switzerland, was canceled following the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two sides to end hostilities in West Asia.
Diplomatic Discussions
According to a statement from Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the matter was discussed during a meeting between Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis at the Burgenstock Resort in Switzerland on Friday.
On Thursday, the Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed that the planned talks between the US and Iran have been postponed. In an email response to ANI, the Swiss Foreign Ministry stated, "The planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed. Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks. The relevant preparatory work at Burgenstock is continuing. No further information can be provided at present."
Details of the MoU
The 14-point MoU between the US and Iran includes an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations, including in Lebanon, and a pledge to conclude negotiations on a final deal within 60 days, extendable by mutual consent. Under the memorandum, the US will begin removing its naval blockade and related restrictions, while Iran will facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz free of charge for an initial 60-day period. During this time, technical talks will also take place on Iran's nuclear program.
The document also outlines plans for the phased lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets, US Treasury waivers for Iranian oil exports, and a US-backed reconstruction and economic development program for Iran.
