Anna Hartz
Diplomatic negotiations in the Middle East often become surrounded by rumors, especially during periods of conflict and political tension.
As talks continue between Iran and the United States, several countries in the region are trying to help avoid another military escalation. Qatar has played a major role in those efforts for years, often acting as a mediator between rival governments.
Accused of damaging diplomatic talks
Qatar strongly denied reports on Tuesday claiming it had offered Iran $12 billion to help secure an agreement with the United States, according to Digi24. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari called the claims false and accused unnamed groups of trying to damage ongoing diplomatic efforts.
In a post shared on the social media platform X, Al-Ansari said the reports were being spread by people who wanted to sabotage negotiations and create more instability in the region.
He said Qatar’s role in the talks is based on diplomacy and coordination with regional partners. According to him, Doha has always worked openly as a mediator in international conflicts and peace efforts.
Al-Ansari also rejected claims that Qatar was trying to influence negotiations through secret financial arrangements. He described those accusations as an attempt to damage the country’s reputation as a trusted diplomatic partner.
The rumors appeared after several Israeli media outlets and regional sources reported that Iranian negotiators were demanding access to $12 billion in frozen assets held in Qatar. According to those reports, Tehran wanted the money released before talks with Washington could move forward.
Other reports claimed Iran was asking for all frozen assets around the world to be fully released as part of a broader agreement with the United States.
Talks drawing out
The speculation increased after Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi traveled to Qatar for discussions connected to possible peace negotiations. Iran’s Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati also visited the country.
Some of Iran’s frozen funds are believed to be located in Qatar under international financial restrictions linked to sanctions.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations with Iran were still continuing. Speaking in the Indian city of Jaipur, Rubio said talks could take several more days because both sides were still arguing over details in the draft agreement.
Rubio also stressed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open. The strategic waterway is one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and gas exports.
He said President Donald Trump recently spoke with several regional leaders over the phone. According to Rubio, those discussions helped create broader support for the current diplomatic process.
Even with the ongoing talks, tensions in the region remain high and many issues are still unresolved.
