Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s visit to Qatar resulted in a diplomatic failure after Tehran demanded the immediate and unconditional release of $12 billion in cash alongside the signing of an initial memorandum of understanding with the United States, an informed source told Iran International.
Qatari officials rejected the request, the source said, agreeing only to release half the amount under strict restrictions. A source close to a Qatari official present at the talks said Doha refused any direct or cash transfer of the funds to Iran. Instead, the money will only be made available as credit for Tehran to purchase essential goods and products directly from Qatar.
The restriction follows strong U.S. opposition to granting the Islamic Republic direct and unrestricted access to liquid assets. Washington has expressed concern that a direct cash injection could provide Tehran with critical economic breathing room, allowing it to pay overdue public-sector wages and procure military equipment from other countries during a period of elevated regional tension.