TEHRAN : Iran will hold talks with mediator Qatar on 
Wednesday regarding its frozen assets, the Iranian foreign ministry said, 
denying that any meeting with the United States was planned in the Gulf 
state, where delegations from both sides were expected.

"What is expected to take place in Doha, probably tomorrow, will be 
discussions regarding the implementation of provisions of the memorandum of 
understanding, including the provision concerning the release of Iran's 
restricted assets, and these discussions will be held with the Qatari side," 
foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told reporters at a weekly press 
conference.

Baqaei was referring to Iranian funds blocked abroad due to US sanctions, a 
key issue under discussion as part of an agreement between Tehran and 
Washington to end the Middle East war.

Iran is making any agreement with the United States conditional on the 
release of a portion of these assets in order to bring a lasting end to the 
conflict.

Among elements agreed under a so-called memorandum of understanding already 
signed is a US commitment to eventually "terminate all types of sanctions 
against" Tehran, and to "make fully available for use the frozen or 
restricted funds and assets" of Iran.

Iran has been subject to asset freezes and sweeping sanctions by the United 
States and other Western countries since its 1979 Islamic revolution that 
toppled the US-backed Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

While there is no official figure for the total amount of frozen Iranian 
assets, media reports have estimated the sum at between $100 billion and $123 
billion.