US, Qatar Agree to Freeze $6 Billion Worth of Iranian Funds

The $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds that were set to be released in exchange for American hostages being returned home will not be delivered to Iran following reports of the nation backing Hamas' attack on Israel, according to a new report.

CBS News reported that the United States and Qatar have come to a "quiet understanding" that Qatar will not deliver the $6 billion as originally planned.

This news comes on the heels of Republicans and some Democrats publicly calling for the funds to remain frozen. Republicans had been critical of President Joe Biden arranging the release of the funds when the deal was first announced. Former President Donald Trump has blamed the White House and President Joe Biden for funding the Hamas attack with the deal.

While Iran has publicly claimed it has no part in the attacks that have left over 1,000 Israelis dead and even more injured and kidnapped, Iranian leaders have also publicly praised Hamas for attacking Israel.

The Washington Post confirmed the reporting based on what sources say Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo told House Democrats.

During a press conference Thursday, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that “every single dime” of the $6 billion was still in the possession of Qatar.