Qatar – a new “bridge” in the US-Iran dialogue.

Qatar is playing a connecting role, facilitating a financial mechanism to help Iran access some of its frozen assets, supporting the negotiation process between Iran and the US. Photo: Csmonitor.

According to Al Jazeera, on May 25 (local time), Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati met with the Qatari Prime Minister in Doha. According to CNN, the parties discussed a “comprehensive package of issues” including maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, frozen Iranian funds, and high-enriched uranium stockpiles.

According to analysts, the presence of the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran in the delegation to Qatar is seen as a sign that the issue of releasing Tehran's frozen assets, a key demand of Iran, is being brought to the negotiating table.

Doha currently controls $6 billion in Iranian oil sales proceeds that were previously held in South Korea. Although this money was refrozen by the US following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, Iran still considers it a prerequisite in current negotiations. Tehran has demanded that Washington guarantee access to approximately $12 billion in frozen assets in exchange for opening the Strait of Hormuz and limiting nuclear activities.

According to the Financial Times, one option being discussed is for Qatar to advance money to Iran first, and then the US would unlock the frozen account so Doha could recover the loan once the agreement is implemented. Analysts believe this approach helps the US avoid the image of "directly giving money to Iran," while Tehran still achieves its goal of accessing necessary foreign currency.

Meanwhile, on May 25, US President Donald Trump declared that any agreement with Iran must be "meaningful," and warned that if negotiations fail, the only remaining option would be "no deal."

The US and Iran have maintained a ceasefire since April 8th, brokered by several countries in the region. However, tensions have not eased as Iran continues to restrict maritime activity through the Strait of Hormuz, while the US has imposed a blockade on Tehran's seaports.

Qatar – a new “bridge” in the US-Iran dialogue.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. Photo: AAP.

Speaking in Tehran on May 25, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran and the US “have reached conclusions on most of the topics discussed,” but stressed that this “does not mean an agreement is about to be signed.” Baghaei said that at this stage, the focus of negotiations between Tehran and Washington is “ending the war,” not on Iran’s nuclear program. The Iranian official also affirmed that Tehran remains skeptical about the US’s ability to fully implement its commitments in any agreement, and declared that Iran is not concerned with “threats” from Washington.

Thuy Ha

Source: Chosun/Al Jazeera

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/qatar-cau-noi-moi-trong-doi-thoai-my-iran-288942.htm