US and Qatar have reached a "quiet understanding" not to release $6 billion delivered to Iran for the time being

Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo told House Democrats Thursday that the US and Qatar have reached a “quiet understanding” not to allow Iran to access any of the $6 billion in Iranian funds transferred to Qatari accounts last month as part of a deal to free Americans detained in Iran for the time being after Hamas' bloody attack on Israel on Saturday.

In exchange for the release of five Americans the US believed had been illegally jailed in Iran, the cash were transferred to Qatari banks. After the devastating Hamas strikes in Israel this weekend, bipartisan requests to halt funds were made.

There is no direct evidence linking Iran to the attack, but administration officials say Tehran is generally culpable given its longstanding support for the terrorist group.

The “quiet understanding” not to move the money today seems symbolic given the stringent limits on the cash.