Qatari PM says $300B Iran reconstruction fund 'aspirational'

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Wednesday described a proposed $300 billion investment fund for Iran as an "aspirational number," indicating that Gulf state participation would depend on Tehran reaching a final settlement with the United States.

Conditional Gulf support

In an interview with the Financial Times, Sheikh Mohammed said Gulf states could help finance the fund only if Iran secures a definitive agreement with Washington. "The figure of $300 billion that has been slated for a proposed Iran investment fund is an aspirational number," he stated. He declined to specify whether Qatar would contribute financially.

Commercial basis for investment

The Qatari premier emphasized that Doha's investment decisions follow commercial rather than political criteria. "Our aim is that Iran flourishes and their economy grows; and our investment basically has always been purely on commercial decisions," he noted. Sheikh Mohammed did not elaborate on potential Qatari commitments to the reconstruction vehicle.

Islamabad Memorandum terms

The proposed mechanism stems from Article 6 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending regional hostilities. Under the provision, the US commits alongside regional partners to establish a reconstruction program worth at least $300 billion for the Islamic Republic. The document stipulates that implementation details will be finalized within 60 days as part of a final agreement, with Washington providing necessary approvals and waivers for related transactions.

The Trump administration has suggested Gulf states could finance the fund as a vehicle for companies to invest in Iran, according to the Financial Times report. The fund would require extensive US licensing to bypass existing sanctions regimes.