Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei urged the Emir of Qatar to release Iranian oil revenues that had been frozen in Doha regardless of any U.S. pressure.
Qatar is “a friendly and brotherly country, although there are still ambiguous and unresolved issues,” Khamenei said in a meeting on Wednesday with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is visiting Tehran, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency.
Khamenei pointed out that Qatar has yet to fulfill previous agreements concerning the return of $6 billion held in Doha - funds that were originally frozen in South Korean banks. After Washington imposed a full ban on Iran’s oil exports and sanctions on its banking sector in 2019, these Iranian oil revenues were blocked in Seoul and subsequently transferred to Qatar.
“We recognize that the primary obstacle to implementing the agreement is the United States,” Khamenei stated, adding that if he were in the position of Qatar's rulers, he would ignore U.S. pressure and fulfill the agreement. "We continue to expect such action from Qatar," he concluded.
Sheikh Tamim mentioned that they covered various areas of cooperation, especially in trade and the economy. "We also emphasized the importance of following up on the outcomes of the recent meeting of the Joint Economic Commission and increasing trade exchange in a way that will help us achieve our goals," he said at the press conference, highlighting "the necessity of creating new opportunities for cooperation" between Iran and Qatar.
The question of Iranian access to the funds has been in the spotlight since Iran-backed Palestinian Hamas militants attacked Israel on 7th October, 2023. Former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Iran had not yet been able to spend a single dollar of the funds that were unfrozen in a U.S.-Iran prisoner swap in September of 2023. Five U.S. citizens detained by Tehran were allowed to leave the country in exchange for the transfer of $6 billion in Iranian funds that had been frozen in South Korea. At the same time, five Iranians held in the United States were allowed to leave.
Under the terms of the Iran prisoner deal, the money can only be used for humanitarian-related purposes, including purchasing food, medicine, medical devices, and agricultural products for the people of Iran from the abroad.
The agreement was reached through diplomatic efforts and secret talks, with Qatar playing a central role in the negotiations.
Iran says U.S. must clarify sanctions stance as nuclear talks continue. Tehran demands clear path to lifting "oppressive" sanctions, while Oman mediates amid lingering disputes over uranium enrichment.
Iran continues to enrich uranium at varying levels for energy, medical, and marine uses, claiming all activities fall within its rights under international law.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke by phone with IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi, warning that any political actions against Iran at next week’s Board of Governors meeting would have consequences.
Iran said on Saturday that it has officially received a new nuclear deal proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, delivered by Oman during a diplomatic visit to Tehran.
A confidential IAEA report reveals Iran conducted secret nuclear activities using undeclared material at several sites, raising serious non-compliance concerns.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations have begun a new round of peace talks in Istanbul, with Kyiv pushing for a ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and humanitarian measures, while Moscow continues to withhold its official terms and demands concessions unlikely to be accepted by Ukraine.
The construction of Kyrgyzstan’s Orto-Tokoy Hydropower Plant (HPP) has reached the halfway mark, with 50% of the work completed, the Ministry of Energy announced on Sunday.
British energy giant BP has announced final investment decisions for two major projects in Azerbaijan: the construction of the 240 MW Shafag solar power plant in Karabakh and the electrification of the Sangachal terminal near Baku.
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, has announced that a pilot visa-on-arrival program will launch at Cairo International Airport in mid-June
French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi announced Monday that it will acquire U.S.-based Blueprint Medicines for $9.1 billion to strengthen its portfolio in rare immunological diseases.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
Azerbaijan has emerged as a critical transportation hub in China's Belt and Road Initiative, transforming from a regional energy exporter into a vital link connecting Chinese goods with European markets.
With the collapse of the Assad regime and growing stability in Syria, thousands of displaced civilians are returning from refugee camps to rebuild their lives amid widespread devastation.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emphasized that deepening energy cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan is not only advancing mutual interests but also reinforcing energy security for Europe and the wider region, as geopolitical risks continue to test global supply chains.
Kazakhstan’s banking sector is experiencing robust growth in 2025, led by a surge in retail and consumer lending, with total loans rising sharply despite high interest rates and macroeconomic uncertainties.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations have begun a new round of peace talks in Istanbul, with Kyiv pushing for a ceasefire, prisoner exchange, and humanitarian measures, while Moscow continues to withhold its official terms and demands concessions unlikely to be accepted by Ukraine.
The construction of Kyrgyzstan’s Orto-Tokoy Hydropower Plant (HPP) has reached the halfway mark, with 50% of the work completed, the Ministry of Energy announced on Sunday.
British energy giant BP has announced final investment decisions for two major projects in Azerbaijan: the construction of the 240 MW Shafag solar power plant in Karabakh and the electrification of the Sangachal terminal near Baku.
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, has announced that a pilot visa-on-arrival program will launch at Cairo International Airport in mid-June
French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi announced Monday that it will acquire U.S.-based Blueprint Medicines for $9.1 billion to strengthen its portfolio in rare immunological diseases.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment