Publish Date: 26 November 2023 - 09:00

TEHRAN, Nov. 26 (MNA) – Iran’s ambassador to Doha has rejected claims by US officials that recently-released Iranian assets have been blocked in Qatar.

Ambassador Ali Salehabadi told IRNA in an exclusive interview published on Saturday that the Iranian funds, unfrozen as part of a prisoner swap deal with the United States, remain fully accessible and the banking process is underway.

“Six Iranian banks are cooperating with two Qatari banks, and we are closely monitoring the intricate details of the banking developments. The banking procedures are progressing smoothly,” he said.

The ambassador said Qatari officials were determined to facilitate the process. “Joint initiatives between Iran and Qatar are underway to ensure the optimal and comprehensive use of these banking resources.”

Asked about Iran’s role in a four-day ceasefire that took effect in the Gaza Strip on Friday, Ali Salehabadi said the Islamic Republic launched a diplomatic initiative to help bring an end to the Israeli atrocities against the Palestinians.

He pointed out that Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian went on a regional tour and held talks with officials from Qatar, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and other countries to that end.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran plays an important and effective role in the international arenas,” the ambassador said.

MP/IRN