Doha, Qatar – Web Desk: Qatar says Iran’s $6 billion remains frozen in Qatari banks.
Qatar has categorically denied reports claiming that Iran’s $6 billion in frozen funds has been transferred to Tehran, clarifying that the money remains held in Qatari banks under strict US sanctions and financial oversight.
Speaking at a press briefing in Doha, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said the funds originated from Iran’s oil exports to South Korea and were transferred to Qatar under the US-Iran prisoner exchange agreement.
He explained that following the exchange of five American and five Iranian prisoners, the money was moved from South Korea to Qatar solely to be managed through a designated financial mechanism, not to provide Iran with unrestricted access.
Al Ansari stressed that despite the release of US citizens, the funds have not been transferred to Iran, nor does Tehran have direct control over them. He reiterated that the assets remain in Qatari financial institutions and are subject to ongoing US sanctions, compliance measures, and international monitoring.
Responding to recent claims regarding the release of the funds, the Qatari spokesperson said that while the assets legally belong to Iran, any future transfer or use must fully comply with US sanctions and the agreed legal framework.
He further clarified that Qatar is not the owner of the money but merely acts as its custodian, with any decision regarding the funds to be made in accordance with international agreements and applicable legal procedures.
Qatar’s clarification comes amid continued diplomatic engagement and technical negotiations between Iran and the United States, as speculation persists over the future of Iran’s frozen overseas assets.
