- Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Baghaei, says the U.S. will commit to granting Iran access to its frozen funds, though Washington insists no money will be given unconditionally.
- Negotiations reportedly center on a staged release of assets, possibly tied to a 60-day interim deal and broader sanctions relief discussions.
- Any partial release could inject liquidity into Iran's economy and impact regional energy markets, but significant obstacles remain.
Stalled Funds and Diplomatic Signals
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani Baghaei, stated on Thursday that the United States will commit itself to providing Iran access to its frozen assets abroad, according to state media. However, U.S. officials have pushed back, emphasizing that no money will be handed over without verifiable compliance from Tehran. The conflicting statements highlight the fragile state of ongoing negotiations between the two countries.
According to people familiar with the matter, discussions have explored a phased release of a portion of Iran’s estimated $12 billion in frozen funds, with a possible 60-day timeline for the first tranche. The talks are part of broader efforts to revive elements of the 2015 nuclear deal and address regional security concerns, including shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Economic Stakes and Market Reaction
If an interim agreement is reached, the release of even a fraction of the frozen assets would provide a much-needed liquidity boost to Iran’s sanction-crippled economy. Analysts say it could also affect global oil markets and shipping routes, as Tehran gains more financial flexibility. However, any relief is expected to be conditional on Iran’s adherence to future commitments on its nuclear program and regional activities.
“The markets are watching closely,” said a Gulf-based economist. “Even a partial release would signal a potential thaw, but the conditions attached could limit the immediate impact.”
Reached for comment, a U.S. Treasury official declined to confirm specific figures but reiterated that any sanctions relief would be calibrated to Iranian compliance. “We are not writing a blank check,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Political Hurdles Ahead
The talks are embedded in a complex diplomatic landscape. Iran insists that sanctions relief must include access to its blocked resources, framing it as a humanitarian right. U.S. negotiators, however, stress that relief will be linked to concrete steps, not a blanket unfreezing. European and regional powers are monitoring the situation closely, with some expressing cautious optimism.
“Without a deal, Iran’s economy will remain under severe strain,” said a former European diplomat. “But the path to an agreement is fraught with mistrust on both sides.”
Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the amount of frozen funds under discussion. The figure is $12 billion, not $10 billion.