Pakistan, June 29 -- Iran on Monday demanded the release of $6 billion held in Qatar while delaying technical talks with the United States under their memorandum of understanding. Tehran also advanced cooperation with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz as shipping traffic slowed after fresh vessel attacks. The developments are significant for regional diplomacy, energy security, and global oil markets.

President Masoud Pezeshkian said $6 billion of Iran's frozen assets should be returned under the agreement with Washington. He added that authorities were pursuing the release of the remaining funds held in Qatar. Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said no technical working group meetings with the United States were scheduled t...