While the United States and Iran have agreed on a framework aimed at ending months of conflict, one major issue remains unclear: the fate of Iran's frozen assets.
Iran's Mehr news agency, cited by Hindustan Times, reported that Washington would release $12 billion in frozen Iranian funds before formal negotiations begin. The report, citing a 14-point memorandum of understanding between the two countries, further claimed that the remaining assets, bringing the total to nearly $24 billion, would be released during a 60-day negotiation period.
Shortly before the peace agreement was announced, a senior Iranian official also told Reuters that the draft framework included the release of $24 billion in frozen assets.
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Washington disputes Iranian claims
Despite the reports from Tehran, US officials have pushed back against the claims.
According to Axios, citing US officials familiar with the negotiations, Washington has not agreed to release $12 billion in frozen funds as claimed by Iranian media.
"This is completely not true. This is a pay-for-performance deal, and no frozen funds will be released without the Iranians implementing their commitments", a US official told Axios.
The Trump administration has consistently maintained that any release of Iranian assets would be linked to Tehran meeting specific obligations under the agreement.
Nuclear programme remains central issue
The disagreement over frozen assets is closely tied to one of the most sensitive parts of the negotiations: Iran's nuclear programme.
Under the framework, the United States and Iran are expected to enter a 60-day negotiation period after the agreement is formally signed in Switzerland on Friday. A key objective for Washington is securing restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities and enriched uranium stockpile.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly described Iran's nuclear programme as a “red line” for Washington and has indicated that a final agreement would require Tehran to halt key elements of the programme.
Iran links future talks to sanctions relief
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has said Tehran's commitments under the agreement will take effect from Friday and that the next phase of negotiations will focus on sanctions relief.
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However, he also indicated that Iran expects progress on the unfreezing of assets, the end of the US naval blockade and a formal conclusion to the conflict before moving forward with broader negotiations.
With both sides offering differing interpretations of the agreement, the issue of frozen assets is likely to remain one of the most closely watched aspects of the peace process in the weeks ahead.
FAQs:
Why is there confusion over Iran's frozen assets?
Iranian reports claim up to $24 billion could be released, while US officials have denied agreeing to any upfront release without conditions.
How are frozen assets connected to the nuclear negotiations?
The US has indicated that any release of funds would depend on Iran meeting commitments related to the broader agreement and future nuclear talks.
