Iranian President says $6 billion of frozen assets in Qatar will be returned

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced that half of Iran's frozen assets held in Qatar will be returned to Tehran. The statement was reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, quoting Pezeshkian during meetings with senior clerics in the city of Qom. He said, "Based on the plans made, $6 billion out of the total $12 billion of Iran's resources in Qatar will be returned to the country, and the necessary follow-ups are also underway for the return of the remaining part of these resources."

This development follows a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this month between the US and Iran. The memorandum stipulates that Washington "undertakes to make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran upon the implementation" of the agreement. Iran has long insisted that the return of assets frozen in overseas banks must be part of the process.

CNN has reached out to the White House for comment on the claim but has not yet received a response. Pezeshkian's announcement comes at a time when Iran is facing economic challenges. The return of frozen assets could strengthen Iran's foreign exchange reserves and help combat inflation.

Qatar has been playing a mediating role between Iran and the US. Most of the frozen assets were blocked under sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program. The agreement envisions some sanctions relief in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear activities.

Experts believe this step could reduce tensions between the two countries but is not a permanent solution. Further negotiations will be needed for the full return of Iran's frozen assets. Pezeshkian's statement is seen as a positive signal for Iran's economic prospects.