Qatar has reportedly provided Iran with massive financial assistance in recent weeks, according to sources cited Tuesday, as Tehran struggles under mounting economic pressure and the lingering effects of the American naval blockade.

The report, published by Yisroel Hayom, claims the Qatari government transferred significant sums of money to the Iranian regime following a series of contacts between Doha and Tehran over the past several weeks.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Monday with Iranian Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati in a meeting that, according to the report, highlighted Qatar’s increasingly deep involvement in supporting Iran economically — far beyond its previously known role as a mediator in negotiations.

According to the report, Iran’s financial situation has deteriorated sharply due to the U.S. maritime blockade. The country is reportedly facing severe difficulties paying public-sector salaries, financing food and goods imports, and maintaining financial support for members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Sources quoted in the report said Qatar transferred substantial financial aid to Iran after diplomatic contacts intensified in recent weeks.

According to those sources, relations between Doha and Tehran expanded significantly following the ceasefire reached more than a month ago.

The report claimed one of Qatar’s main motivations was to prevent another Iranian strike against its territory after Qatar came under attack during the war.

Israel Hayom noted that following the ceasefire, both the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia were reportedly targeted in separate incidents, while Qatar remained untouched.

One source cited in the report said the two countries are also engaged in secret discussions aimed at reaching a broader arrangement that could include Qatari assistance in developing the enormous shared natural gas field jointly controlled by Iran and Qatar.

{Matzav.com}