Qatar transfers $6 billion in unfrozen Iranian funds for prisoner swap; flights ready for release

In a development confirmed by sources familiar with the matter, Qatar informed both parties that the funds previously held in Switzerland have now been securely moved to Qatari accounts.

This comes as the Iranian Foreign Ministry announces the imminent exchange of prisoners between Tehran and Washington, set to occur Monday.

"Both parties have been notified by Qatar that all $6 billion has been transferred from Switzerland to bank accounts in Qatar," the source told the news agency.

"A Qatari plane with five US citizens, who were previously detained in Iran, and their two relatives on board is ready to take off to deliver them to Doha," the source also said.

Last week, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said that Tehran would spend $6 billion in funds to be released following the prisoner exchange agreement with the United States wherever the country considers necessary.

Earlier that week, a US State Department spokesperson confirmed to Sputnik that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had signed a waiver advancing the prisoner exchange deal with Iran that lifted a hold on $6 billion of Iranian funds, which would be moved from bank accounts in South Korea to Qatar.

The US authorities also said that Tehran would be able to spend the fund on humanitarian needs only, while the US would control the spending process.