Doha reportedly providing Tehran a financial lifeline, despite Iranian attacks on Qatar.By World Israel News StaffQatar is funneling money to the Iranian regime, according to a report published on Monday by Israel Hayom, providing Tehran with a much-needed financial lifeline.Doha has become a key venue in the US-Iran talks as Tehran presses for access to billions of dollars in frozen assets and Washington seeks guarantees on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program.However, Israel Hayom reported that Qatar’s role has gone beyond mediation, citing two Gulf diplomatic sources and a Western intelligence official who said Doha has provided financial assistance to Iran in recent weeks as the US naval blockade has intensified pressure on Tehran’s finances.The report said Iran has struggled to pay public-sector salaries, fund imports and sustain the coffers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.The report came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati traveled to Doha for talks that officials and regional reports said focused on the Strait of Hormuz, highly enriched uranium and frozen Iranian assets.A source cited by Daily Sabah said Hemmati’s inclusion in the delegation was tied to “the issue of frozen funds, which is addressed in the MoU as part of an eventual final deal.”Iranian state-linked Fars News Agency reported that Hemmati traveled to Qatar “in line with efforts to pursue the unfreezing of Iran’s assets” and as part of the negotiations’ economic commission, IranWire reported.The central bank chief was expected to discuss blocked Iranian funds and other financial issues with Qatari officials in Doha.At the center of the dispute is Iran’s demand for access to frozen money held in Qatar.Tehran is seeking the release of funds, including $12 billion in Qatar, immediately upon the signing of a memorandum of understanding, Iran International recently reported.The report said the US is prepared to move on the funds only after the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an Iranian commitment on the nuclear issue.Israel Hayom said Qatar’s contacts with Iran expanded after the ceasefire more than a month ago, with Doha seeking to avoid renewed Iranian attacks on its territory.The report said Qatar had remained protected during post-ceasefire incidents in which the UAE and Saudi Arabia were attacked, and that some Iranian payments could be disguised as fees connected to tankers passing through Hormuz.The post Qatar secretly funding Iran, saving it from economic collapse – report appeared first on World Israel News.