U.S. secretly approved Qatar-Iran cash deal – Israel Hayom
The U.S. secretly approved a financial arrangement between Qatar and Iran that allowed Doha to transfer funds to Tehran in exchange for ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and preventing attacks on Qatari vessels, according to Israel Hayom.
The arrangement, granted approximately one month ago, was aimed at stabilizing global energy markets and lowering oil prices, while also laying the groundwork for the broader U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding.
The deal allowed Iran access to funds held in Qatar, including payments presented as transit fees for tankers and a credit line worth up to $1 billion for purchasing goods.
The U.S. Navy maintained a public stance of enforcing maritime restrictions on Iran while quietly permitting the Qatari channel to operate. During Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Doha, direct communications took place with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner overseeing negotiations.
The arrangement became a point of controversy in Washington, contributing to a tougher U.S. negotiating position.
