$6 Billion Windfall? US, Qatar Discuss Releasing Frozen Iranian Funds After Peace Deal
$6 Billion Windfall? US, Qatar Discuss Releasing Frozen Iranian Funds After Peace Deal Published By, Last Updated: June 20, 2026, 08:05 IST The funds can
$6 Billion Windfall? US, Qatar Discuss Releasing Frozen Iranian Funds After Peace Deal Published By, Last Updated: June 20, 2026, 08:05 IST The funds can only be used to purchase humanitarian and other non-sanctioned goods, primarily from the United States. AI-generated image used for representation. Iran will be allowed to access $6 billion of its frozen assets held in Qatar under a proposed agreement aimed at ending hostilities between Tehran and Washington, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. However, the funds can only be used to purchase humanitarian and other non-sanctioned goods, primarily from the United States. The assets, originally derived from Iranian oil sales and previously held in South Korean banks, were transferred to restricted accounts in Qatar in 2023 as part of a prisoner swap agreement between the two countries. Access to the funds was later suspended following the October 7 Hamas attacks and the subsequent escalation of tensions in the region. However, access to the funds was effectively frozen following the October 2023 Hamas attacks and the subsequent escalation of regional tensions.
Citing people familiar with the matter, WSJ reported that the proposed arrangement would allow Iran to access the $6 billion in stages during an extended 60-day ceasefire period linked to ongoing negotiations between the two countries. Tehran’s Behavior Should Be ‘Appropriate’ Under the reported framework, Iran would be permitted to use the funds only for humanitarian and other non-sanctioned imports, including certain goods sourced from the United States. The phased release of the assets is also said to be contingent on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and continued progress toward a broader agreement between Washington and Tehran. A US official familiar with the negotiations told the newspaper that portions of Iran’s blocked assets could be unfrozen during the talks if Tehran demonstrates what Washington considers “appropriate behavior," including cooperation on issues related to its stockpiles of enriched uranium. Iran Expects Access To $12 Billion The report comes amid growing speculation over the scale of financial relief that could accompany a future US-Iran agreement. Iranian media outlets close to the government have claimed that Tehran expects access to as much as $12 billion in frozen assets during the interim 60-day period.
According to various estimates, Iran has approximately $24 billion in frozen assets held overseas, spread across countries including China, India, Iraq and Qatar. Trump Defends Easing Restrictions On Iranian Assets The potential release of the funds has become a politically sensitive issue in the United States. President Donald Trump has defended the possibility of easing restrictions on Iranian assets, arguing that any relief would remain tied to Tehran’s compliance with the terms of a broader agreement. The emerging framework is expected to address several key issues, including regional security, sanctions relief and maritime trade. Analysts say a successful agreement could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, improve Iran’s economic outlook, ease pressure on global energy markets and reshape trade flows across West Asia. Meanwhile, Iran has publicly confirmed that discussions on frozen assets are part of the negotiations. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said on Monday that the United States had committed to addressing the issue of frozen Iranian funds as well as compensation for damages resulting from the recent conflict. “The release of the frozen Iranian assets as well as the reparations for damages are two essential points.
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