Doha, Qatar – The State of Qatar has categorically denied media reports claiming that Doha offered Iran $12 billion to secure a specific deal or agreement. It affirmed that these reports are baseless and lack credibility, and clarified that they are part of a disinformation campaign aimed at undermining Qatari diplomatic efforts.
These claims are completely unfounded.
The official spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majid Al-Ansari, confirmed in statements published on his official Twitter account on Tuesday that allegations of paying or offering huge sums of money in exchange for secret deals are “completely baseless.” Al-Ansari explained that these fabricated narratives are being promoted by parties that are persistently seeking to sabotage ongoing agreements and undermine the diplomatic efforts undertaken by Qatar in coordination with its regional partners. These parties aim to reduce tensions and establish stability in the region. The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson also emphasized that Doha’s diplomatic role is well-known and publicly documented before the international community. He pointed out that such allegations are nothing more than “desperate attempts to tarnish Qatar’s reputation as a trusted and impartial mediator on the international stage.” He affirmed his country’s continued commitment to pursuing quiet diplomacy to resolve crises.
File on releasing frozen Iranian funds
In contrast, Qatar’s statements came as the Iranian news agency Tasnim, affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard, revealed that Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had visited Doha. He was accompanied by the Iranian Foreign Minister and the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran. The visit primarily aimed to discuss the release of some frozen Iranian assets held abroad.
The agency confirmed that this visit falls within the first phase of the potential implementation of a memorandum of understanding between the two sides. It also indicated that Tehran insists on the release of these assets as a necessary part of the process.
Trump’s position
This debate comes amid anticipation surrounding US foreign policy, as President Donald Trump previously outlined his vision for dealing with Iran. He asserted that any future agreement with the Iranian regime would be a “good and proper” one.<sup>4</sup> At the same time, he criticized previous agreements, particularly those concluded during the administration of former President Barack Obama. Trump accused them of providing Tehran with massive sums of money and opening a clear and direct path for it to acquire nuclear capabilities.
These developments further highlight the complexities of the regional landscape. Qatar continues to play the role of a “trusted mediator” in sensitive regional issues, while the frozen assets and relations with the West remain key focus areas in Iranian political maneuvering.
