Following a broad waiver by President Joe Biden’s administration intended to pave the way for the release of five Americans detained by Iran, the United States and Qatar have agreed not to act on any Iranian request to access $6 billion in funds that were moved from South Korea, a U.S. official said Thursday.
The action does not completely freeze the funds. According to the rules of the deal, Iran must ask for the money, and it may only be used for humanitarian causes.
Last month saw the release of the Americans. The official talked to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the arrangement in public.
As concerns about Iran’s involvement in or influence over the Hamas attack on Israel grow, the money has come under scrutiny. Iran is the main financial and military backer of Hamas, but the White House denies learning of any Iranian involvement in the operation.
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