U.S. and Qatar Agree to Restrict Iran’s Access to Unfrozen $6 Billion Fund

In a significant development, the United States and Qatar have agreed to restrict Iran from accessing a recently unfrozen fund of $6 billion. The decision comes amidst the U.S.’s ongoing scrutiny of Iran’s support for Hamas, the group responsible for recent attacks on Israel.

Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo has assured House Democrats that the fund “will remain untouched,” according to sources. This assurance comes despite the fund being initially released last month for humanitarian use in a U.S.-Iran prisoner swap.

While there is no direct evidence linking Iran to the recent attacks on Israel, the country is held accountable due to its historical backing of Hamas. The decision to restrict access to the fund is seen as a measure to limit Iran’s potential support for such activities.

Under strict U.S. oversight, the fund remains inaccessible to Iran. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby confirmed, “Every cent remains in the Qatari bank.” This move underscores the U.S.’s commitment to ensuring that funds intended for humanitarian purposes are not misused.

This agreement between the U.S. and Qatar marks a significant step in international efforts to curb activities that threaten peace and stability in the region.

The U.S. has taken several measures against Iran recently:

Warning to Iran: Amid mounting tensions, the U.S. President has issued a stern warning to Iran, communicating the U.S.’s intent to respond decisively against any provocation.
Troop Deployment: The U.S. has decided to send additional troops to the Middle East, a strategic move that signifies its readiness to meet potential threats head-on.
Sanctions: The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Iranian leaders, further intensifying the pressure on Iran. These sanctions include an embargo on dealings with Iran by the United States, and a ban on selling aircraft and repair parts to Iranian aviation companies.
Diplomatic Isolation: The U.S. is attempting to diplomatically, politically, and economically isolate Iran.
Retaliatory Actions: The U.S. is undertaking retaliatory actions against attacks on U.S. forces and installations by Iran-backed forces in the region.
Interdiction of Arms Shipments: The U.S. is deploying additional forces to interdict Iranian arms shipments to its allies and proxies.
Training and Assistance: The U.S. is training, arming, and providing counterterrorism assistance to partner governments and some allied substate actors in the region.