The United States and Iran are negotiating a draft memorandum of understanding to release approximately $12 billion [1] of frozen Iranian assets.
This agreement is intended to end a conflict that began in late February 2026. By easing oil-export restrictions and providing a significant economic boost, the deal seeks to revive the Iranian economy after years of sanctions [4, 5].
According to reports from late May 2026, the draft memorandum specifies that the frozen assets would be released within 60 days [2] of the signing. Iranian state television said the memorandum stipulates the release of 12 billion dollars [1] of frozen assets within that 60-day window [2].
The negotiations represent a move toward a broader understanding between Washington and Tehran. The France24 Arabic editorial team said the U.S. and Iran are continuing to approach a possible understanding to end the war [6].
While some reports suggest a deal could be reached quickly, others indicate that the two nations are still in the process of approaching a final agreement [6]. The proposed framework focuses on the immediate financial relief for Tehran as a primary mechanism for stabilizing the region.
If signed, the release of funds would provide Iran with immediate liquidity to address internal economic pressures. The easing of oil-export restrictions would further allow the country to increase its primary source of foreign currency revenue [1, 3].
“The memorandum stipulates the release of 12 billion dollars of frozen assets within 60 days.”
The potential release of $12 billion and the easing of oil restrictions signal a tactical shift in U.S. diplomacy to resolve the conflict that erupted in early 2026. By addressing Iran's immediate liquidity crisis, the U.S. is using economic leverage to secure a ceasefire and stabilize regional tensions, though the lack of a definitive signing date suggests that political hurdles remain in both Washington and Tehran.
