• Iran's top negotiator claims the U.S. has committed to granting access to frozen funds, but the U.S. denies any direct payment, suggesting a staged humanitarian release.
  • Talks focus on releasing $6–12 billion initially, with remaining funds tied to compliance and broader negotiations.
  • No final agreement reached; discussions continue amid cautious public diplomacy.

Stalled Talks on Frozen Assets

Iran’s chief negotiator, Baghaei, stated Thursday that the United States has pledged to allow Iran access to its frozen overseas funds, though Washington insists no money will be handed directly to Tehran. The conflicting statements underscore the delicate nature of ongoing negotiations, which remain unresolved despite intermittent progress.

According to people familiar with the matter, the U.S. has proposed releasing funds in installments for humanitarian purposes—such as food and medicine—rather than restoring full access to Iran’s assets, which are estimated at tens of billions of dollars. Iran’s representatives have pressed for immediate access to a larger portion, with figures commonly cited in the $6–12 billion range for an initial tranche.

“We are committed to ensuring Iran can access its own funds, but any release will be strictly monitored and used for humanitarian needs,” a U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This is not a payment to the Iranian government.”

Broader Negotiations and Market Impact

The asset talks are part of broader discussions that include security commitments and regional stability, with European and Gulf stakeholders closely monitoring. Analysts say a staged release could ease some liquidity pressures in Iran and boost confidence in regional banking, but the impact depends on the speed and reliability of disbursements.

“If a framework is agreed, we could see a modest improvement in Iran’s ability to import essential goods,” said a Gulf-based economist. “But any deal is fragile and tied to compliance measures.”

Attempts to reach Baghaei for further comment were unsuccessful. The negotiations are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with both sides signaling cautious optimism but no breakthrough yet.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the amount of frozen funds discussed. The correct range is $6–12 billion.