US and Qatar Freeze $6 Billion Fund, Blocking Iran's Access

The United States and Qatar have reached a "quiet understanding" not to release the $6 billion in Iranian funds transferred to Qatari accounts last month, following Hamas' attack on Israel. The funds were part of a deal to secure the release of five Americans wrongfully detained in Iran. While there is no direct evidence linking Iran to the attack, the understanding is largely symbolic as the funds were already subject to strict restrictions and had not been accessed by Iran. The US retains the right to freeze the funds, which were intended for specific humanitarian trade transactions.