Iran has demanded the immediate release of $12 billion [1] in frozen assets to be delivered in two separate tranches.
The dispute centers on the liquidation of seized funds and the conditions attached to their release. If the two nations cannot agree on the terms of the transfer, the financial deadlock may further strain diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said the government requires the total sum of $12 billion [1] to be released. The proposal specifies that the first tranche of $6 billion [2] should be released from Qatari banks [2]. Tehran has set a timeframe of 60 days [3] for the completion of this release process.
Negotiations involving an Iranian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi have focused on these financial requirements. The discussions involve coordination between Iran and Qatar, with references to U.S. involvement in Washington.
During these talks, the U.S. reportedly requested the establishment of an exclusive credit line. This line would have been dedicated specifically to the purchase of American agricultural goods.
Baghaei said Iran rejected these demands. Tehran views the U.S. requirement for a dedicated agricultural credit line as unacceptable interference in its financial affairs. The Iranian delegation maintains that the release of the frozen assets should not be contingent upon the purchase of specific American products.
The Iranian government continues to seek the full liquidation of its assets without the imposition of trade-based conditions by the U.S. government.
“Iran has demanded the immediate release of $12 billion in frozen assets”
This standoff highlights the use of frozen assets as diplomatic leverage. By tying the release of funds to the purchase of agricultural goods, the U.S. is attempting to create a guaranteed market for its exports, while Iran is attempting to decouple its financial recovery from political or economic concessions.
