Summary Qatar says Iran’s $6 billion assets remain in Qatari banks under US restrictions, denying reports of transfer to Tehran.
DOHA (Web Desk) – Qatar has rejected reports claiming that $6 billion belonging to Iran has been transferred to Tehran, clarifying that the funds remain deposited in Qatari banks and Iran does not have direct access to the money due to US sanctions.
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said during a press briefing in Doha that the $6 billion represents Iranian oil revenue held in South Korean accounts, which was transferred to Qatar under a US-Iran prisoner exchange arrangement.
He explained that the funds were moved to Qatar after a deal between the United States and Iran involving the exchange of five prisoners from each side. However, the purpose of the transfer was only to place the money under a specific financial mechanism and not to hand it over directly to Iran.
Al Ansari said that despite the release of US citizens, the funds have not been transferred to Iran and Tehran does not have unrestricted control over them. He added that the money remains secure in Qatari banks and its use continues to be subject to US restrictions and monitoring.
The Qatari spokesperson further clarified that although the funds belong to Iran, Qatar is only acting as a custodian and does not own the assets. Any future transfer or utilization of the money would be carried out according to international agreements and established legal procedures.
Qatar’s statement comes amid ongoing diplomatic contacts and technical discussions between Iran and the US, with the future of frozen Iranian assets remaining a subject of speculation.
