WANA (May 26) – As indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States continue, informed sources have revealed new details about the recent visit of Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to Qatar, describing the trip as part of Tehran’s efforts to secure the release of a portion of Iran’s frozen overseas assets.

 

According to a source close to the negotiating team, a 14-point memorandum of understanding currently under discussion includes the gradual release of approximately $24 billion in Iranian funds. Tehran is reportedly insisting that at least half of that amount — around $12 billion — be made accessible immediately upon the announcement of the memorandum, with the remaining funds transferred within a 60-day period.

 

The source said Ghalibaf’s visit to Doha focused on coordinating the practical implementation of this demand, resolving potential obstacles, and ensuring Iran would have effective access to the first tranche of funds.

 

The report added that Iran’s previous experience with the release of frozen assets from South Korea and their transfer to Qatar has made Iranian officials far more cautious this time around. According to the source, Tehran is closely monitoring the operational aspects of any financial arrangement to avoid a repeat of earlier complications. The source described the discussions in Doha as “constructive” and said the trip produced positive results in terms of advancing the process.

 

The source also noted that the talks held in Qatar generally helped move the broader negotiations forward. At the same time, Iranian officials continue to approach the process carefully, citing what they describe as Washington’s long record of failing to uphold commitments.

 

Meanwhile, another informed source responded to recent remarks by the Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson, who stated that Doha would not provide money as a guarantee for any potential understanding between Iran and the United States. The source said the comments were “not entirely inaccurate,” emphasizing that the funds under discussion belong to Iran and are unrelated to any Qatari financial guarantee.

 

According to the source, Tehran’s main priority is ensuring the full and unrestricted return of its own assets — an issue Iranian officials are now pursuing with heightened scrutiny and caution due to previous experiences.