Qatar's Prime Minister Advisor: 'Qatar's Diplomacy' Led to Prisoner Exchange Between Iran and the U.S.

Majid Al-Ansari, advisor to the Prime Minister of Qatar, revealed more details about the prisoner exchange between Iran and the U.S. in an interview with Al-Monitor. This exchange, in which Qatar played a mediating role, resulted in the release of five Americans from Iran. Al-Ansari stated that this exchange was the result of two years of 'quiet negotiations' that began after the U.S. withdrew from the nuclear agreement, the JCPOA. He mentioned that the negotiations were difficult due to the complete contradiction between the two sides. The advisor noted that Qatar, after multiple meetings with Iranian and American officials, was able to send messages regarding both issues. He said, 'The main mediators from Qatar were the Prime Minister, the Minister of Interior, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.' Al-Ansari added that negotiations regarding the prisoner exchange faced numerous obstacles, including Iran's drone shipments to Russia, which were protested by the U.S. He further stated, 'Doha has guarantees to ensure that Iran's funds are not diverted and is cooperating with the U.S. Treasury to ensure the success of the humanitarian channel.' Al-Ansari expressed hope that the prisoner exchange could serve as 'a platform for dialogue' between Iran and the U.S. The dual citizens released from the Islamic Republic's custody arrived in the U.S. capital early Tuesday local time. Five Iranian-American citizens had been transferred from prison to a safe house since August 10 following an agreement between the U.S. and the Islamic Republic. This agreement also included the transfer of six billion dollars of Iran's frozen assets in South Korea to Qatar and the release of five Iranians 'convicted or accused' in the U.S. Reuters reported on Monday that Qatar confirmed the transfer of six billion dollars of Iran's funds to banks in Doha and informed Washington and Tehran.