Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced a "good understanding" with Qatar regarding access to $6 billion in funds, part of a controversial U.S.-Iran prisoner exchange deal, despite ongoing restrictions imposed by the Biden administration, Breitbart reported.
Initially held in South Korean banks, the funds were transferred to Qatar's central bank after the Biden administration issued a sanctions waiver.
While the Biden administration insists the funds can only be used for humanitarian purposes, the Iranian government remains confident in its access to the full amount.
"In Qatar, we have $6 billion in assets. The issue was discussed during a meeting between the governors of the two countries' central banks and the Qatari Emir. We reached a good understanding in this regard," Pezeshkian stated after returning to Tehran from a two-day visit to Qatar.
The funds became a focal point of political controversy following the Biden administration's decision to issue the waiver as part of the prisoner swap, in which five American prisoners were exchanged for five Iranians.
Critics argue the move amounted to a $6 billion ransom paid to Tehran.
The Biden administration, however, maintains that the money is earmarked solely for purchasing humanitarian goods such as food and medicine.
Critics have pointed out that money is fungible, suggesting that by freeing up funds for humanitarian purposes, Iran could allocate more resources toward military activities and support for its terrorist proxies.
Opposition to the arrangement grew, especially after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians, heightening concerns about how Iran could use the funds.
Despite assurances from U.S. officials like Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who emphasized that Iran had access to the funds only for humanitarian needs, Tehran appeared to challenge that assertion.
In October 2023, Iranian officials insisted that the U.S. would not be able to prevent Iran from using the funds as it sees fit in the future.
CBS News then reported that after the Hamas attacks, a "quiet understanding" was reached between Qatar and the Biden administration to restrict Iran's immediate access to the funds.
During his trip to Qatar, Pezeshkian also discussed regional issues with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders and Saudi officials, including Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. He stated that the talks were aimed at resolving disputes related to conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Pezeshkian expressed optimism that Iran and its neighboring countries would soon unite in their stance against Israel.
We will soon "reach a point where we have a common language and vision with neighboring countries and can lead the world with one voice," Pezeshkian said, referencing efforts to stop what he described as Israeli "crimes and massacres."
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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