US and Qatar Consider Unfreezing Rp106.9 Trillion in Iranian Assets

Moscow - The United States and Qatar are examining the possibility of granting Iran access to frozen assets worth $6 billion (approximately Rp106.9 trillion) for humanitarian purposes, The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday. According to sources familiar with the matter, the initiative is being considered as an incentive for Iran to sign a comprehensive agreement regarding the final settlement of its conflict with the US. Under the plan, assets currently frozen in Qatar would be released for transactions involving the purchase of food, medicine, and other humanitarian commodities. The mechanism could provide a framework for further concessions affecting other frozen Iranian assets. However, Iran has reportedly not yet agreed to the proposal. The signed peace memorandum provides a 60-day window for the US and Iran to negotiate their final agreement on Iran’s nuclear issue and US sanctions against Iran. The deal also sets a timeline for the US to end its naval blockade against Iran and for Iran to restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.