The U.S. has pledged to release frozen Iranian funds and assets as part of a memorandum of understanding with Tehran [1].
This agreement marks a potential shift in diplomatic relations, linking the return of billions of dollars in capital to Iran's cooperation on its nuclear file [1]. The move aims to ease sanctions in exchange for Tehran's compliance with international nuclear standards.
According to a draft of the memorandum, Washington has committed to freeing 12 billion USD in assets [2]. Iranian state television said these funds would be released within 60 days [2]. The negotiations took place as part of the Islamabad MoU process [1].
However, there is a discrepancy regarding the total amount of funds at stake. While the memorandum focuses on the 12 billion USD figure [2], other Iranian sources said the country has demanded the release of approximately 24 billion USD in frozen assets [3].
This gap suggests that while a partial release has been agreed upon to facilitate the nuclear deal, Tehran continues to press for the full recovery of its overseas holdings [3]. The draft MoU serves as a framework for the two nations to resolve long-standing financial disputes, while addressing global security concerns regarding nuclear proliferation [1].
Officials involved in the process have not yet confirmed if the final agreement will cover the full 24 billion USD requested by Iran or remain at the 12 billion USD threshold [2], [3].
“Washington has pledged to free Iranian funds and oil revenues.”
The agreement represents a high-stakes financial trade-off. By tying the release of frozen assets to the nuclear file, the U.S. is using economic leverage to ensure Iranian compliance. The discrepancy between the agreed 12 billion USD and the demanded 24 billion USD indicates that the MoU may be a phased approach or a compromise, leaving room for further diplomatic friction or future negotiations.
