Qatari authorities have rejected an official request from Tehran to unconditionally unfreeze $12 billion in Iranian assets as part of efforts aimed at resolving the situation in the Middle East, the London-based Iran International television channel reported, citing sources.

According to the broadcaster, Qatari authorities rejected Tehran’s firm call for the immediate and unconditional release of the $12 billion alongside the publication of a memorandum of understanding with the United States. Instead, Doha agreed to unfreeze only half of the funds and under strict conditions.

The report said Qatar had proposed unfreezing $6 billion in the form of a credit facility that would be used by Iran to purchase goods produced in Qatar.

Speaking in Singapore on May 30 at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister said that Doha and other countries in the region are seeking to develop a comprehensive strategy towards Tehran, including on political and trade-related issues.

He acknowledged that the Arab states of the Gulf have yet to reach a common approach to engagement with Iran.

The Qatari deputy prime minister also said that the permanent imposition of fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz would be unacceptable.

According to him, the only issue that could be considered within the framework of negotiations is the introduction of a temporary charge, provided that the funds raised are used for mine-clearance operations in the strait and the restoration of navigation.

He also stressed that such fees should not become a precedent or be applied in other straits around the world, warning that doing so would disrupt international maritime transport and communications.