Iran demands access to $12b. assets frozen in Qatar as precondition to advancing talks

Iran has stipulated the immediate release of $12 billion in assets frozen in Qatar as a non-negotiable precondition for continuing discussions with the United States, according to an informed source cited by Iran International.

This demand is identified as the only current impediment to progressing negotiations on a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two nations. The source further emphasized that Iran's broader objective includes the unfurling of all its assets as part of any comprehensive agreement. This comes after conflicting reports in April, where an Iranian source claimed US agreement to release frozen funds, a statement swiftly denied by a US official. Another Iranian source had previously told Reuters that the US had agreed to release $6 billion held by Qatar.

The MOU, reportedly termed the 'Islamabad Declaration,' is expected to initiate a 60-day ceasefire extension and pave the way for further talks. If approved by Iran's Supreme National Council and Mojtaba Khamenei, the deal would lead to final negotiations on a peace agreement after the ceasefire period. A significant element of the proposed deal involves the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with the draft specifying it would be open without tolls and Iran would clear deployed mines. In return, the US would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and waive certain sanctions, enabling Iran to export oil freely.

While the MOU would require Iran to cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons, issues concerning its nuclear capabilities and enriched uranium stockpile would remain largely under negotiation. Additionally, the agreement reportedly addresses the conflict in Lebanon, aiming for an end to the war between Israel and Hezbollah, with a US official indicating it would not be a one-sided ceasefire. The deal also includes provisions for Washington to waive sanctions on Iranian oil and for both sides to refrain from attacking each other or their allies.