Qatar to release $6 billion in frozen assets as peace talks with US falter, says Iranian Prez Pezeshkian

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that USD6 billion in frozen Iranian assets would be released by Qatar as negotiations with the United States were challenged by attacks across the Persian Gulf this weekend.

Pezeshkian is the highest-ranking official within Iran to reference the release of the funds held by Qatar, a key mediator in the negotiations with Pakistan. So far, US officials say no frozen Iranian assets have been released.

File snap : Iran's president Masoud Pezeshkian reviews an honor guard during a welcome ceremony in Islamabad, Pakistan in June  

Tehran launched drone and missile attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait on Sunday following new US airstrikes against the Islamic Republic, and threatened a 'complete halt' in negotiations to end the war if Washington continues its attacks.  

"Based on the plans made, USD 6 billion out of the total USD12 billion of Iranian resources in Qatar will be released and returned to the country, and necessary follow-ups are being carried out," Pezeshkian was quoted by the state-run IRNA news agency. 

The remarks appeared aimed at selling the Iranian public on the interim deal.

Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait on Sunday following new US airstrikes against the Islamic Republic, and threatened a "complete halt" in negotiations to end the war if Washington continues its attacks.  

There appears to be a significant divergence between the United States and Iran over what was agreed during the first round of talks held in Switzerland.  

US Vice President JD Vance said any release of frozen Iranian assets would depend on Tehran’s future commitments and verification measures.

However, Iran has maintained that Washington has already agreed to ease restrictions and release some sanctioned assets.

Differences have also emerged over the issue of nuclear inspections. 

Vance suggested that Iran had agreed to allow international inspectors greater access, a claim Tehran has pushed back against.

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