A recent diplomatic visit to Doha, Qatar, by a high-level Iranian delegation has concluded in significant failure. The delegation was led by the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. This information comes from Iran International. According to sources, during discussions regarding the potential signing of a preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States, Iran demanded the immediate and unconditional release of approximately $12 billion in cash currently held in Qatar. However, Qatar rejected this demand.

Instead of releasing the entire sum in cash, Qatar agreed only to provide access to a limited portion of the funds in the form of credit—which Iran would be permitted to use solely for purchasing essential goods and food supplies from within Qatar. Reports further indicate that the United States adopted a firm stance against handing these funds directly over to Iran. Washington fears that if provided with cash, Iran could utilize the funds to bolster its military and strategic sectors, in addition to alleviating domestic economic pressures. Consequently, emphasis was placed on restricting the usage of the funds. According to sources, Iran had treated the unconditional release of these funds in cash as a prerequisite for negotiations; however, Qatar’s counter-position dealt a major blow to that strategy.

Under the terms of the current arrangement, Iran will be unable to access the funds directly in cash; rather, it will be limited to utilizing the credit facility exclusively within the Qatari market for the purchase of designated goods. The reports also note that a decision was made to keep this financial dispute confidential so as not to jeopardize broader regional diplomatic discussions—which encompass issues such as the Strait of Hormuz and a potential ceasefire.