• Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei claimed the U.S. has committed to providing Iran access to its frozen assets, though he acknowledged the U.S. insists no funds will be directly transferred.
  • The conflicting statements highlight ongoing negotiations over the release of billions of dollars in Iranian assets, with proposals ranging from staged humanitarian payments to a broader interim deal.
  • Analysts view Baghaei’s remarks as a negotiating posture, as talks continue over the terms of any sanctions relief.

Mixed Signals on Asset Release

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told state media on Thursday that the United States has committed to granting Iran access to its frozen funds abroad, while simultaneously acknowledging that Washington will not directly provide Tehran with any money. “The U.S. will commit itself to give Iran access to its frozen funds,” Baghaei said, adding that “the U.S. will not give Tehran any money.”

The statement appears designed to reassure domestic audiences that progress is being made in nuclear talks, even as the precise mechanism for unfreezing assets remains unclear. Western officials have consistently said any relief would be staged and tied to compliance, with funds used only for humanitarian purchases.

Negotiations Over Staged Releases

Negotiations have focused on the amount and timing of released funds, with Iranian sources pushing for larger immediate access, reportedly $6–12 billion, and Western sources preferring phased releases for humanitarian goods like food and medicine. Unconfirmed reports in mid-June suggested a potential memorandum of understanding that would unlock as much as $24 billion over a 60-day window, with an initial portion released before formal talks. Neither side has officially confirmed those figures.

“We are not discussing a cash transfer,” a U.S. official said on condition of anonymity. “Any access would be strictly monitored and used for humanitarian purposes.” Iran has repeatedly framed asset access as a prerequisite for broader talks, linking it to comprehensive sanctions relief.

Market and Diplomatic Implications

For global markets, any credible framework for releasing frozen assets could ease liquidity constraints for Iran and potentially influence energy risk premia, but relief is expected to be gradual and contingent. The talks are part of broader U.S.-Iran diplomacy aimed at de-escalation, with both sides emphasizing technical details and verification.

Efforts to reach Baghaei for further comment were unsuccessful, and the U.S. State Department declined to comment on the record. The contradictory messaging underscores the fragility of negotiations, where each side seeks to claim progress without conceding ground.

This article has been updated to clarify Baghaei’s remarks and include the U.S. official’s statement.