U.S. Blocked Transfer of $12 Billion in Frozen Iranian Assets via Russia: Iran MP
A member of Iran’s parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Commission said simultaneous diplomatic efforts by Iran, Qatar and Pakistan are aimed at reaching an “initial understanding” with the United States, while stressing that Washington would have already launched military action if it believed it could achieve decisive results against Iran.
In an interview with ILNA, Iranian lawmaker Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani said recent visits by Pakistani and Qatari officials to Tehran were intended to help establish common ground between Iran and the United States.
“The goal is to identify points acceptable to both Tehran and Washington and put them into writing,” he said, adding that the outcome could initially take the form of a short memorandum of understanding rather than a detailed agreement.
Bakhshayesh Ardestani said the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad remains one of the main issues under discussion. He noted that Iran believes approximately $25 billion should be released, while U.S. officials have referred to around $12 billion currently held in Qatar.
He also said efforts had been made to transfer part of the funds to Iran through Russia, but the process was halted by the United States.
Addressing speculation over the possibility of future military action by the United States and Israel, the Iranian MP said Washington had already tested military options and failed to achieve its objectives.
“If the United States had the capability to carry out an effective strike against Iran, it would have already done so,” he said.
The lawmaker added that some regional actors were working to reduce tensions and encourage diplomacy, including figures close to U.S. President Donald Trump.
He specifically referred to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and former White House adviser Jared Kushner, saying both opposed a wider regional conflict.
Bakhshayesh Ardestani warned that any future confrontation would draw a strong response from Iran and said regional tensions and indirect confrontations were continuing in different areas of the Middle East.
He further stated that Tehran, Doha and Islamabad currently support a preliminary understanding focused on ending tensions, while Washington is seeking a broader agreement that would also address the Iranian nuclear issue.
According to the Iranian MP, Tehran believes any future process should include an end to hostilities, the establishment of a reconstruction mechanism for Iran, the release of frozen Iranian funds and a reduction in maritime pressure in areas including the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb.
Bakhshayesh Ardestani also dismissed recent social media posts by Trump featuring military imagery against Iran, describing them as political messaging rather than indications of imminent action.
In remarks regarding recent regional developments, the Iranian lawmaker said American pilots had been detained by Iran following an operation near Isfahan, adding that Washington later attempted to frame the mission differently in public statements.