• Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the U.S. has committed to granting Iran access to its frozen assets, but Washington insists no money will be handed over directly.
  • Negotiations are ongoing for a staged release of several billion dollars under strict monitoring for humanitarian purchases, with an interim deal possible in weeks.
  • The dispute highlights deep mistrust: Iran seeks sizable, unconditional access, while the U.S. demands compliance with nuclear and regional security steps.

Talks Over Frozen Assets Hit a Snag on Payment Terms

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Thursday that the United States has agreed to give Tehran access to its frozen funds abroad, claiming that Washington will commit to releasing the assets as part of ongoing negotiations. However, U.S. officials quickly pushed back, stating that no direct transfer of money to Iran is planned and that any release would be strictly monitored and tied to humanitarian needs.

"The U.S. will not give Tehran any money," a senior administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Any access to funds will be through a controlled mechanism for approved purchases, not a lump-sum payment."

The conflicting statements underscore the fragility of the talks, which aim to establish a framework for interim relief amid broader tensions over Iran's nuclear program and regional activities. According to people familiar with the matter, negotiators are discussing a staged release of roughly $6 billion to $10 billion of Iran's frozen assets, held in accounts in South Korea, Iraq, and other countries. The funds would be made available in tranches over several months, with disbursements linked to Iran's compliance with specific steps, including curbing uranium enrichment and reducing support for proxy forces.

Iran has publicly insisted on an immediate partial release upon signing any understanding, with the remaining funds freed within a defined period. "Without a deal that gives us our money upfront, there will be no agreement," an Iranian diplomat involved in the talks said, speaking on background.

The negotiations are taking place against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions and U.S. domestic political scrutiny. Republican lawmakers have warned against any relaxation of sanctions, while humanitarian advocates argue that the funds are essential for Iran's import of medicine and food. European and Middle Eastern mediators, including Qatar and Oman, have been shuttling between the parties to narrow differences.

Efforts to restructure the financial arrangement have hit a snag over the mechanism for oversight. Washington wants the funds to be held in escrow accounts in third countries, with disbursements approved by a joint commission. Tehran, however, is seeking more direct control.

"The perception of regulatory stability is key for us," said a source familiar with the talks, echoing language used by investors in other contexts. "But here, the rules aren't clear, and that's making it hard to finalize."

Without a deal, the company—or rather, the broader U.S.-Iran relationship—would be forced into another cycle of escalation, analysts warn. The next round of talks is expected in the coming days, with both sides signaling cautious optimism.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the amount of frozen funds under discussion. The correct figure is between $6 billion and $10 billion, not $20 billion.