• Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the U.S. has committed to giving Iran access to its frozen assets, but Washington insists no money will be handed over directly.
  • Negotiations are advancing on an interim deal that would release a portion of Iran's estimated $6–12 billion in frozen funds in stages, tied to humanitarian use and compliance.
  • The talks mark a potential shift in U.S.–Iran diplomacy, with any agreement likely to include verification mechanisms and conditions before broader sanctions relief.

Talks Intensify Over Staged Asset Release

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that the United States has committed to providing Iran access to its frozen funds, according to state media. The statement comes amid intensified negotiations between the two countries aimed at an interim deal to gradually release Iran's assets held overseas.

However, a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, pushed back against the characterization, stating that Washington will not give Tehran any money directly. "What we're discussing is enabling Iran to access its own funds for humanitarian purchases under strict oversight," the official said, emphasizing that no cash would change hands.

Staged Approach Under Discussion

Multiple people familiar with the matter said negotiators are focusing on a staged approach rather than a full unfreezing. Reports indicate that Iran is seeking access to roughly $6–12 billion as part of initial steps, while the U.S. prefers releases tied to humanitarian channels and compliance milestones.

"Any interim deal would be contingent on Iran's adherence to agreed commitments," said a person briefed on the talks. The discussions center on how much liquidity could be released immediately and a timetable for broader access, with safeguards to ensure funds are used for legitimate humanitarian purposes.

Potential Implications for Markets

Global financial markets are monitoring the developments closely. A partial, conditional release could affect regional liquidity dynamics and influence sentiment in Middle Eastern banking and currency markets. Analysts note that any agreement would likely be narrow and verifiable before broader changes to sanctions are enacted.

Political and Diplomatic Context

The talks occur against a broader backdrop of U.S.–Iran diplomacy, with discussions centered on easing restrictions as part of a framework that could include limits on hostilities. Both sides have a strategic incentive to reach a verifiable interim deal, according to several analysts.

Efforts to reach both the Iranian mission to the United Nations and the U.S. State Department for additional comment were not immediately successful.

This article was updated to include the U.S. denial of direct cash transfer.