DOHA, QATAR July 1, 2026 – The United States and Iran have reportedly reached an understanding on the release of Iranian frozen assets during indirect technical talks mediated by Qatar in Doha, according to multiple reports emerging from the region.
The development centers on approximately $6 billion in Iranian funds held in Qatari banks — part of a broader estimated $12 billion in blocked assets — as a key element of an interim memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed earlier this month to de-escalate the four-month US-Iran conflict.
Indirect lower-level technical discussions are underway in Doha, focusing on the implementation of the MoU. Key topics include:
- The release of frozen Iranian assets
- Safe commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz
- Broader ceasefire and de-escalation measures
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that a technical delegation was sent to Doha to follow up specifically on the release of frozen funds and other MoU provisions in coordination with Qatari mediators.
Qatari officials confirmed that US envoys, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, held meetings with Qatari authorities, but emphasized that no direct US-Iran bilateral meetings were scheduled. Iranian teams are engaging separately through Qatari facilitation.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry noted that the $6 billion in frozen assets has not yet been transferred to Tehran. Release is expected to proceed in line with progress on the broader agreement.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian previously described the MoU — which includes US waivers for Iranian oil and petrochemical exports — as a “great victory for the Iranian people,” while stressing the importance of asset access.
These talks follow a recent US-Iran conflict that ended with the signing of the interim MoU. The frozen funds, previously held in various international accounts (including those moved to Qatar during the 2023 prisoner swap), have long been a central sticking point in negotiations.
The current round of indirect diplomacy in Doha represents an effort to build confidence and implement the existing framework before advancing to final negotiations on nuclear issues, sanctions relief, and regional stability.
Officials on both sides have described the process as ongoing, with no final confirmation of the exact terms or timeline for any asset release.
Further details are expected as technical discussions continue.
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