Iran says $6B in Qatar funds 'should be released' under US deal

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday demanded the release of $6 billion in frozen funds held in Qatar, insisting the money should be returned to Tehran under the terms of an existing agreement with the United States. Speaking during a meeting with Grand Ayatollah Shobeiri Zanjani, Pezeshkian said: "Based on the plans made, $6 billion out of a total of $12 billion of Iran's funds in Qatar should be released and returned to the country," according to the ISNA news agency.

He added that "necessary follow-ups are underway" for the return of the remaining funds. The statement marks the latest push by Tehran to access billions in oil revenues held abroad that have been restricted by sanctions.

Qatar holdings under US sanctions

The frozen assets represent half of Iran's total $12 billion holdings in the Gulf state, accumulated from energy exports and other trade activities. Washington has maintained restrictions on Tehran's access to the funds as part of broader economic sanctions, though previous arrangements have allowed for limited releases under humanitarian exemptions.

Pezeshkian did not specify when the transfer might occur, stating only that officials are pursuing the matter through diplomatic channels. The Islamic Republic has repeatedly pressed for access to frozen assets held in foreign accounts as economic constraints persist.