US Has Not Yet Released Iranian Funds Despite Memorandum of Understanding

Washington (ANTARA) - Iran has reportedly not yet received the 6 billion US dollars in funds that were promised to be released as part of the implementation of a memorandum of understanding with the United States. Citing a US official, The New York Post reported on Tuesday that the frozen funds will not be released until Iran meets the requirements outlined in the memorandum of understanding. “No frozen funds have been transferred, and none will be transferred until Iran fulfils the requirements outlined in the memorandum of understanding,” the official said. According to the official, Washington plans to release the funds in stages as progress is made on the implementation of the agreement. “Iran will be able to access the disbursement of funds in stages after reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ceasing transit fees, and meeting other milestones,” he stated. Earlier on the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran was likely to hold talks with Qatar on 1 July. Qatar acts as a mediator in the dialogue between Iran and the United States to discuss the implementation of the memorandum of understanding. However, on Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted that Iran’s 6 billion US dollars in frozen funds had been confirmed for release and transfer to Tehran. Iran and the United States signed the memorandum of understanding on 18 June. The document includes an agreement to end the military conflict that began on 28 February, while also setting a timeline for the lifting of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and the restoration of shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.