Iran has announced that $6 billion in frozen funds held in Qatar are set to be released as part of a preliminary agreement currently being negotiated with the United States in Switzerland, according to remarks by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The development comes as delegations from both countries continue technical-level discussions aimed at reducing tensions and advancing a broader diplomatic framework.
President Pezeshkian said the terms of the memorandum of understanding being discussed in Burgenstock are favourable to Tehran, adding that key provisions of the deal would soon become evident. Citing Iranian media reports, he stated that the release of the frozen assets would be a significant outcome of the ongoing negotiations. The funds, estimated at $6 billion, have reportedly been held in Qatar under existing financial restrictions.
In comments carried by Iranian news agency Tasnim, Pezeshkian said the United States had ultimately acknowledged positions that Washington had previously resisted, particularly regarding Iran’s financial and nuclear-related concerns. He also suggested that the outcome of the talks reflected a shift in diplomatic engagement between the two sides after years of heightened tensions.
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The Iranian president also addressed the country’s nuclear programme, reiterating that Tehran does not seek nuclear weapons. He said that Iran’s position on nuclear arms had remained consistent over time and emphasised that the focus of the current negotiations was on preventing weaponisation rather than restricting civilian nuclear activity. His remarks come amid continued international scrutiny of Iran’s uranium enrichment levels.
Pezeshkian further commented on political reactions in the region, stating that Israeli leadership would be dissatisfied with the progress of the negotiations. His remarks referenced ongoing regional rivalries and the broader geopolitical implications of the US-Iran dialogue, which has drawn attention from multiple stakeholders in West Asia and beyond.
Meanwhile, reports from the Swiss venue indicate continued diplomatic activity involving multiple parties. US Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner were reported to have met Pakistani intermediaries ahead of discussions with Iranian representatives. The presence of regional facilitators highlights the complex diplomatic network supporting the negotiations.
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi also held meetings with Swiss officials in Burgenstock, stressing the importance of allowing diplomatic efforts to succeed. The agency has continued to monitor Iran’s nuclear programme, noting previously reported stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, which remain a key point of international concern. The ongoing talks are expected to address verification mechanisms and compliance measures as part of any potential agreement.
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