IRAN - CBS: US And Qatar Reach "Quiet Understanding" On Iran Funds

Nancy Cordes at CBS has reported that the network, "the US reached a “quiet understanding” with Qatar not to release any of the $6b in Iranian oil money that was transferred as part of a U.S.-Iranian prisoner swap."

• The report comes as the Biden administration is scrutised for the deal which has been criticised for providing 'fungible' funds which Iran could use to fund Hamas and other groups which pose a threat to Israel.
• Biden administration officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, have downplayed the suggestion that Iran played a direct role in planning the Hamas attacks but are "complicit" due to a long history of support to the group.
• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Qatar tomorrow to meet with Qatari officials. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters yesterday that Qatar could prove critical in efforts to negotiate the return of US hostages as they, "have open lines of communication with — with Hamas."
• Reaching a deal with Qatar to withhold the funds could relieve some political pressure on the Biden administration. Republican presidential candidate Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) is expected to introduce a bill in the coming days compelling the White House to refreeze the funds - indicating the issue is likely to figure prominently during 2024 election campaigning.