Iran is demanding the immediate release of $12 billion in frozen funds once an interim agreement is signed with the United States, semi-official Fars news agency reported, citing a member of the media team accompanying Iran’s delegation to Qatar last week.

“The negotiations have progressed in such a way that if Iran senses any disruption in access to the frozen assets, we will be able to withdraw from the agreement. In other words, the structure of access to this $12 billion must itself serve as a guarantee for the implementation of the deal,” Saeed Ajorlu, the journalist, was cited as saying, describing discussions between top Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Qatari officials.

The journalist explained that of the total amount, $6 billion “consists of Iran’s previously frozen funds,” while the other $6 billion “is a new amount that must be released during this phase.”

State-linked Tasnim news agency had previously said that if Tehran and Washington agree to an interim deal, a total of $24 billion in Iranian assets could be released. Half of that would be released when the deal is announced, it said.

Qatar has committed to acting as the “guarantor” for these funds, Fars said, citing Ajorlu.

“The idea is that we are not supposed to enter negotiations, sign an agreement, and then once again lose access to our assets if another war breaks out.”

Qatar has denied media reports that it “offered” $12 billion to Iran to ensure the conclusion of an agreement.

Source: CNN

– Agencies