Summary
- Talks in Doha, Qatar, are drawing market attention as U.S.-Iran negotiations continue alongside discussions over the release of frozen funds.
- Iran is seeking the release of $24 billion in frozen funds in negotiations with the U.S. and is also demanding access to half of the money as soon as any agreement is announced.
- Markets see the outcome of the Doha talks as a potential clue to whether U.S.-Iran negotiations are making progress.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran's parliament and a key figure in the country's negotiations, has returned home after talks in Doha, Qatar. The diplomatic moves are drawing market attention as U.S.-Iran talks continue alongside discussions on releasing frozen funds.
Walter Bloomberg, an overseas breaking-news account, reported on May 26 that Iranian state television said Iran's top negotiator, Ghalibaf, had returned from Doha after meeting Qatari officials.
Ghalibaf's trip to Qatar came as Iran pushes for the release of frozen funds and continues negotiations with the U.S. Iranian media previously reported that Tehran was negotiating with Washington over a draft 14-point memorandum of understanding and was seeking the release of $24 billion in frozen assets.
Markets are treating the outcome of the Doha talks as a potential signal of whether U.S.-Iran negotiations are advancing. Iran is also maintaining that it must be able to use half of the frozen funds as soon as any agreement is announced.
Expectations for a deal, however, have coincided with military tensions. Iran's Foreign Ministry accused the U.S. of violating a ceasefire agreement in the Strait of Hormuz, while comments from the U.S. side also suggested a "great deal" on Iran could be possible.
Minseung Kang
minriver@bloomingbit.ioBlockchain journalist | Writer of Trade Now & Altcoin Now, must-read content for investors.
