Saudi Report: Preliminary Deal Reached in Talks to Release $3 Billion to Iran

Indirect technical talks between the U.S. and Iran are taking place today (Wednesday) in Doha, with mediation from Qatar and Pakistan and with the participation of professional negotiating teams from both sides. A source familiar with the details told Reuters that the discussions are focused on advancing the understandings reached between the parties and laying the groundwork for continued negotiations.

According to that same source, U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met yesterday with Qatar’s prime minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, with the goal of laying the foundation for this round of technical discussions. However, the two are not taking part in the talks being held today.

At the same time, according to Saudi reports and on the Al Arabiya network, a preliminary agreement has been reached on the release of frozen Iranian assets totaling about $3 billion. According to the report, the funds will not be transferred in a single installment, but will instead be released gradually and in line with progress in the talks between the sides. It was also reported that Tehran is demanding that each stage of the transfer of funds be tied to practical progress in implementing the emerging understandings within the framework of the negotiations, as contacts continue through the mediators in Qatar.

One of the central issues raised in the talks is the Strait of Hormuz, considered one of the world’s most strategic shipping lanes and the route through which about one-fifth of the global oil supply passes. According to the report, Oman has presented a new outline aimed at regulating the security situation in the strait and ensuring freedom of navigation there. At the end of the talks, the delegations are expected to return to their capitals for consultations with political and security officials before the next round of negotiations is renewed.

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. President Donald Trump has in recent days considered the possibility of renewing large-scale strikes against Iran, but at this stage has decided to continue on the diplomatic track and give the negotiations more time, even beyond the target date set for August. Today, Trump said that the talks with Iran are progressing "very well," and noted that "it was a good meeting." He made the remarks before the inaugural flight of the new "Air Force 1" plane, which he received from Qatar, and added: "We prepared Iran for three nights, but we’re getting along excellently."