• Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei claimed the U.S. will commit to releasing frozen Iranian assets, while Washington insists it will not give Tehran any money outright.
  • Negotiations focus on staged releases of billions of dollars for humanitarian purposes, with discussions on a 60-day window for remaining payments.
  • The asset-access talks are part of broader interim deal efforts to ease sanctions and de-escalate tensions, but hardliners on both sides view concessions skeptically.

Divergent Claims on Asset Release

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani Baghaei said Tuesday that the United States will commit to giving Iran access to its frozen funds, according to state media. “The U.S. will announce its commitment to releasing Iran’s frozen assets,” Baghaei said, without specifying an amount. However, a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, flatly denied the claim: “The U.S. will not give Tehran any money. Any access to funds would be strictly for humanitarian purposes and subject to rigorous oversight.”

The conflicting statements underscore the delicate talks between the two countries, which have been discussing a potential interim deal to ease some sanctions in exchange for limits on Iran’s nuclear program. According to people familiar with the matter, negotiators are zeroing in on a framework that would release a portion of Iran’s billions of dollars in frozen assets held abroad, likely in several tranches over a short timetable.

Staged Releases and Humanitarian Conditions

Sources say the discussions have centered on releasing an initial sum of around $6 billion to $10 billion, with remaining payments to follow within 60 days if Iran meets certain commitments. The funds, which are largely from oil sales held in escrow accounts in countries like South Korea and Iraq, would be restricted to purchases of food, medicine, and other humanitarian goods.

“This is not a cash transfer,” explained a Western diplomat familiar with the talks. “It’s a mechanism to allow Iran to pay for essential imports from its own money, with strict monitoring to prevent diversion.” Iran has pressed for broader access, including relief from oil sanctions, but the U.S. has insisted on a phased approach to ensure compliance.

Implications for Markets and Diplomacy

News of the progress in talks helped push crude oil prices down slightly in early trading, as traders priced in the possibility of increased Iranian exports. However, analysts caution that any deal remains fragile. “Even a partial release of funds will improve Iran’s liquidity, but it’s unlikely to fundamentally change the economic landscape unless broader sanctions relief follows,” said a Gulf-based economist.

The diplomatic push reflects a mutual desire to avoid escalation, with Iran facing severe inflation and unemployment, and the U.S. seeking to reduce tensions in the Middle East. But hardliners in both countries have criticized the negotiations. In Tehran, some lawmakers called Baghaei’s remarks “misleading,” while in Washington, Republican senators warned against “rewarding a hostile regime.”

Looking Ahead

Negotiators are expected to meet again in the coming days to finalize technical details. A successful interim deal could unlock some relief for Iran’s economy and dampen regional flashpoints, but without a more comprehensive agreement, volatility in oil markets and banking channels may persist.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the amount of frozen funds discussed. The correct range is $6 billion to $10 billion for the initial release.