Iran US Nuclear Deal: In which countries and banks of the world is Iran trying to get back its billions of dollars stuck? What are the main terms of a possible nuclear deal between America and Iran? Why are the talks going on in Qatar’s capital Doha being considered so important in the politics of the Middle East?
The politics of the Middle East once again appears to be at a turning point. The ongoing talks between America and Iran regarding the nuclear deal are no longer limited to just security and nuclear program, but also the billions of dollars worth of funds which have been frozen in different countries of the world for years have also come into focus. Iran is currently trying to get back its seized funds worth about $120 billion. In the initial phase, it is eyeing $24 billion, to withdraw which high level talks are going on in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Qatar’s role in this entire incident is being considered very important.
In which countries is Iran’s money stuck?
According to reports, due to US economic sanctions, a large amount of Iran’s money was frozen in many countries and international banks. These include South Korea, America, Britain, Qatar, Türkiye and some international banks. South Korea alone has about $6 billion stuck in Iran. This amount was to be received by Iran in exchange for oil sales, but the payment was stopped after US sanctions. Similarly, in 2023, the US administration had agreed to give $6 billion to Iran in exchange for the release of five prisoners. This amount is currently being controlled through Qatar. According to reports, some properties of Iran have also been seized in Britain. Apart from this, Iranian funds have also been frozen in many international banking channels for a long time.
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Why is the ongoing meeting in Doha important?
The ongoing talks in Qatar’s capital Doha are being considered a sign of possible softening in Iran-US relations. Qatar has been playing the role of mediator between the two countries for a long time. Experts believe that if this interim agreement is successful, it could open the way for Iran to get economic relief. This is the reason why the whole world is keeping an eye on the Doha talks.
What is the possible Iran-US agreement?
According to reports, an interim nuclear deal is being discussed between America and Iran. Under this, Iran may be ready to accept some important strategic and security related conditions. It is being told that Iran can assure to keep the Strait of Hormuz completely open and not to attack neighboring countries. Apart from this, talks can also move forward with America on the issue of enriched uranium. In return, America and its allies are expected to not take military action against Iran and provide relief from some economic sanctions.
Trump’s strict message
US President Trump has shown a tough stance on this issue. He said in a recent post that he will not get the dollars until Iran eliminates its nuclear threat. Trump’s statement clearly indicates that America is directly linking economic relief to the nuclear program. Iran is trying to release at least some amount soon in the name of relief and humanitarian aid.
Why did the 2015 agreement become an example?
Earlier in 2015, after the nuclear deal signed during the tenure of the then US President Barack Obama, it was announced to unfreeze about 50 billion dollars of Iran’s funds. However, later the Trump administration withdrew America from that agreement and again imposed strict economic sanctions on Iran. After this, relations between the two countries again became tense.
Will Iran get economic relief?
The biggest question at present is whether America will actually be ready to return part of its frozen amount to Iran. If this happens, it will not only be a big relief for Iran’s economy, but can also create a new equation in the politics of the Middle East. However, the path to compromise is still not considered easy. Issues like nuclear programme, regional security and Israel still remain the biggest challenges between the two countries.
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