$3 Billion Frozen Funds Take Centre Stage In US-Iran Indirect Talks In Doha

The latest round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran concluded in Doha on Wednesday with discussions focused on implementing.

The recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), including the possible phased release of $3 billion in frozen Iranian assets and the establishment of a dedicated communication channel to address violations of the agreement.

The negotiations were mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, with the US and Iranian delegations holding separate meetings throughout the two-day talks.

Emergency communication mechanism agreed

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran and Washington had agreed to create an emergency communication channel to report and document any breaches of the memorandum. Speaking after the negotiations, Gharibabadi stressed that there was no direct engagement between the two sides, with all messages exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.

He also said the use of Iran’s frozen funds held in Qatar featured prominently in the discussions. According to Gharibabadi, the two sides agreed that essential goods requested by Iran would be purchased using the frozen assets and delivered to the country.

Frozen funds remain conditional

Reports by Al Arabiya said negotiators discussed an initial framework for the phased release of $3 billion in frozen Iranian funds, with future disbursements tied to progress in implementing the MoU.

However, a US official rejected suggestions that any assets had already been released, saying the funds would remain frozen until Iran fulfilled its obligations under the agreement. The official added that Washington would retain approval over how any released money is spent, with the assets intended to finance purchases of American agricultural products for humanitarian purposes in Iran.

Regional security issues also discussed

Beyond the financial aspects of the agreement, the talks also covered developments in Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz.

According to reports, Iran argued that Israel’s continued military presence in Lebanon was undermining implementation of the memorandum. Tehran also reiterated its position that the Strait of Hormuz falls under the shared sovereignty of Iran and Oman.

Iran reportedly sought the implementation of five provisions of the MoU before moving to additional issues. Discussions on the future of the Strait of Hormuz are expected to continue after Oman presented a fresh proposal, with both delegations set to consult their respective governments before the next round.

Qatar cites ‘positive progress’

Qatar said the negotiations resulted in “positive progress” on issues related to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. In a statement on X, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said Qatari and Pakistani mediators conducted separate meetings with US and Iranian negotiators in Doha and that both sides agreed to continue discussions.

He added that the next round of talks would be scheduled at the earliest opportunity following the funeral ceremonies of Iran’s former Supreme Leader.

Talks aimed at implementing nuclear roadmap

The Doha negotiations began on Tuesday and involved both senior negotiators and technical experts working through separate channels. Ahead of the discussions, US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner met Qatar’s prime minister to help facilitate the negotiations.

The current talks are centred on implementing the memorandum signed by Washington and Tehran, which set a 60-day roadmap for negotiating a broader nuclear agreement. They also follow last week’s understanding between the two countries to temporarily de-escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz after a series of military confrontations.