Witkoff, Kushner arrive in Doha as Iran asset release is in focus

2026-07-01

Lebanon in focus

U.S. Middle East envoy Witkoff and Trump son-in-law Kushner have arrived in Doha, the capital of mediator Qatar, a spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry said on the 30th. At this stage, there are no plans for direct talks between senior U.S. and Iranian officials.

According to the spokesperson, the two will exchange views with Qatar on multiple issues. The main topic is expected to be the situation in Lebanon.

Iran seeks asset release

Iran is also expected to discuss the release of frozen assets with Qatar. Reuters reported this, citing a spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry. Iran is seeking the early release of the frozen assets, which would provide funding to accelerate postwar economic recovery.

According to Iranian media, President Pezeshkian said on the 29th that $6 billion of the $12 billion in Iranian assets frozen in Qatar are expected to be unfrozen. According to Qatar's foreign ministry, the $6 billion has not yet been transferred to the Iranian side.

An agreement between the U.S. and Iran stipulates that the U.S. will make the frozen assets 'fully available' depending on Iran's compliance. Iran has long sought the early release of the assets.

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