US Signals Iran Won’t Access Its $6 Billion in Qatar Any Time Soon
US Signals Iran’s Inability to Access $6 Billion in Qatar
The United States has indicated that it will not allow Iran to access $6 billion in Iranian funds held in a Qatar bank. The US retains the right to freeze the account completely, as part of a prisoner exchange between the two nations. The issue of Iran’s access to these funds has gained attention since an attack by Iran-backed Palestinian Hamas militants on Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages in the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
Strict Oversight and Humanitarian Purposes
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that there is strict oversight of the funds and that Iran has neither accessed nor spent any of the $6 billion. He also emphasized that the US Treasury ensures that the disbursement is solely used for humanitarian purposes. Moreover, a senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Iran will not have access to the money for the foreseeable future.
US and Qatar Agreement
Multiple U.S. media outlets reported that the United States and Qatar have agreed to prevent Iran from accessing the funds. Although Iran is known to support Hamas through funding and arming, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denied any involvement in the Hamas attack on Israel. Iran’s mission to the United Nations in New York emphasized that the funds are intended for the acquisition of essential requisites for the Iranians and that the money rightfully belongs to the people of Iran.
US Intentions and Qatari Bank
The White House national security spokesman, John Kirby, clarified that the funds were meant to be disbursed for approved vendors to purchase food, medicine, medical equipment, and agricultural products to benefit the Iranian people. Kirby assured that the money is still in the Qatari bank and that the Iranian regime was never intended to receive any part of it.
In conclusion, the United States has made it clear that Iran will not be granted access to the $6 billion held in a Qatar bank. The funds are closely monitored to ensure they are used solely for humanitarian purposes. While Iran supports Hamas, it denies involvement in the recent attack on Israel. The money remains untouched in the Qatari bank, intended for the benefit of the Iranian people.
