Reuters: Iran and the US on the verge of a prisoner exchange mediated by Qatar

Reuters reported on Sunday, citing several Iranian and non-Iranian sources, that with the transfer of $6 billion of Iran's frozen assets to Qatari banks in the coming days, five dual-national Iranian-American detainees in the Islamic Republic will be exchanged for an equal number of Iranian prisoners in the US. On August 10, Iran transferred four dual-national detainees from Evin Prison to house arrest. The fifth had previously been moved to house arrest. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on the same day that this step is the first in a process that will lead to the return of these five individuals to the US. Siamak Namazi, 51, and Emad Sharqi, 59, both businessmen, and Morad Tahbaz, 67, an environmental activist, have been identified as three of the five. The identities of the fourth and fifth individuals have not been disclosed, but it is said that one of them is a woman. Reuters has been unable to confirm the identities of the Iranians imprisoned in the US who are expected to be returned to Iran during this prisoner exchange. Qatar has played a central role in negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to a source, Doha has hosted at least eight rounds of negotiations between Iranians and Americans. In the initial rounds, the topic of Iran's nuclear program was discussed, while in later rounds, the issue of prisoner release was addressed. The source stated, 'Everyone realized that the nuclear negotiations were at an impasse, and therefore shifted focus to prisoners. Negotiating over prisoners is easier. It is easier and trust can be built.' Three sources told Reuters that Qatar is implementing financial arrangements under which banking costs are paid, and oversight is maintained on how Iran's released assets are spent to ensure that this money is not used for items under US sanctions. Another point is that the prisoners will pass through Qatar after the exchange. Reuters reported, citing a senior diplomat, that 'Iran initially sought direct access to the assets but ultimately agreed to access through Qatar.' He added, 'Iran will buy food and medicine, and Qatar will directly pay for it.' Reuters provided the report based on interviews with four Iranian officials, two American sources, a senior Western diplomat, an advisor to a Gulf state government, and someone familiar with the negotiations. All these sources requested not to disclose their identities due to the sensitivity of the matter. A spokesperson for the US State Department stated that the United States is not ready to announce the timing of the prisoners' release. He refrained from commenting on the details of these 'ongoing and very sensitive negotiations.' The Biden administration has not commented on the timing of the transfer of Iran's frozen funds to Qatar. However, the South Korean Foreign Minister stated on September 5 that efforts in this regard are ongoing. Reuters quoted the aforementioned State Department spokesperson as saying that Washington has agreed to the transfer of Iran's funds from South Korea to restricted accounts in Qatari financial institutions, but no money is being transferred directly to Iran. He emphasized that the overall US approach towards the Islamic Republic has not changed and will still be based on 'deterrence, pressure, and diplomacy.' According to him, after the funds are transferred to Qatar, the United States will monitor how and when they are used by the Islamic Republic. Reuters added, citing the mentioned sources, that after the funds are received from South Korea and transferred through Switzerland to Qatar, officials in that country will inform Tehran and Washington that the conditions for the release of prisoners are ready according to a document signed in late July or early August. One source told Reuters that after that, prisoners from both Iran and the United States will be transferred to Qatar and from there to the US and Iran. Two Iranian sources and a Western diplomat told Reuters that the most challenging part of the negotiations between the US and Iran was establishing a mechanism to ensure transparency in the transfer of Iran's frozen funds and preventing violations of sanctions. One Iranian source stated that Qatar has taken on the cost of transferring Iran's frozen assets to its banks in an effort to conclude its negotiations. Another Iranian source said that the central bank governors of Iran and Qatar met on June 14 in Doha to discuss how to transfer Iran's frozen assets. Reuters, citing its four sources, added that negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Doha were led by Robert Malley and Abram Paley on behalf of the US and Ali Bagheri Kani on behalf of Iran. An Iranian judicial official stated that the details of the prisoner exchange 'will be announced upon the full implementation of the agreements.' The US stated that uranium enrichment up to 60% has 'no credible peaceful purpose.' The son of Shahab Deliali stated that the US claims the Islamic Republic is not negotiating regarding his father's release. Exclusive: The White House stated that prioritizing the return of imprisoned Americans is more important than nuclear negotiations with the Islamic Republic. Exclusive: The US continues to implement 'strict' sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Deep concerns among senior Republican representatives regarding a 'potential agreement' between Biden and the Islamic Republic. The White House stated that the understanding for the release of American prisoners in Iran is still on track. An open letter addressed to Biden stated that the release of $6 billion in exchange for the release of dual nationals is a 'dangerous precedent.' The opening of accounts for six private banks in Qatar for 'Korean dollars' involves Germany as well. Tehran stated that the prisoner exchange with the US will occur within the framework of an 'understanding.' The head of Iran's Central Bank announced the 'release of seized foreign currency resources' in South Korea. The US stated that the released funds from Iran are for purchasing non-sanctioned items; users commented: 'It's shameful.' Reactions from newspapers regarding the exchange of dollars for several dual-national prisoners; conservatives: a victory without ransom; government critics: an agreement out of necessity.