TEHRAN- The U.S. authorities’ allegations that newly freed Iranian assets have been frozen in the state of Qatar have been refuted by Iran’s ambassador to the Persian Gulf nation.
In an exclusive interview with IRNA that was published on Saturday, Ambassador Ali Salehabadi stated that the banking procedure is in progress and that the Iranian funds, which were unfrozen as part of a prisoner exchange agreement with the United States, are still completely available.
“Six Iranian banks are cooperating with two Qatari banks, and we are closely monitoring the intricate details of the banking developments. The banking procedures are progressing smoothly,” he said.
The envoy also stated that Qatari officials were determined to help the process. “Joint initiatives between Iran and Qatar are underway to ensure the optimal and comprehensive use of these banking resources.”
Back in October, Qatar’s Prime Minister announced his country is committed to fulfilling a deal with Iran and the U.S. which involves $6 billion of Iranian funds parked in Qatari banks.
“Qatar is committed to an agreement and will fulfill its obligations and will not do anything without consultations with our partners,” Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said during a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, adding that the money will be spent in accordance with the deal.
The money was brought to the limelight after American media reported “Washington and Doha have agreed to stop Iran from tapping the $6 billion fund” after Hamas successfully carried out an attack on the occupied territories on October 7.
Some American officials ended up confirming the reports. “None of the funds that have now gone to Qatar have actually been spent or accessed in any way by Iran,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Israel when asked about the funds. “Indeed, funds from that account are overseen by the Treasury Department, can only be dispensed for humanitarian goods — food, medicine, medical equipment — and never touch Iranian hands.”
Iran strongly rejected the claims by Americans, saying the news holds no water.
“The news is devoid of veracity, the publication of which would tarnish the credibility of the Washington Post,” the Iran mission to the UN announced in a statement.
It added that the U.S. senators and the White House are all “acutely aware that they cannot renege on the agreement.”
While U.S. intelligence agencies have failed to find any evidence pointing to Iran’s involvement in the Hamas attack, hawkish Republican politicians have been pressuring the Biden administration to block Iran’s access to the freed assets.
Given Iran’s contribution to the four-day cease-fire that went into force in the Gaza Strip on Friday, Ali Salehabadi stated that the Islamic Republic started a diplomatic effort to assist in putting a stop to the crimes committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.
He mentioned that Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian traveled on a regional trip and met with officials from Qatar, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria, and certain others.
The ambassador underscored, “The Islamic Republic of Iran plays an important and effective role in the international arenas.”
