Iran is reportedly demanding the release of $24 billion in frozen funds as part of ongoing negotiations with the United States over a potential memorandum of understanding (MoU), according to reports published by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
Citing a source close to the Iranian negotiation team, Tasnim reported that Tehran has insisted the blocked funds must be released during the current phase of discussions with Washington, with Iran seeking guaranteed financial access before any broader agreement is formally implemented.
According to the report, Iranian negotiators are demanding that at least half of the $24 billion amount be made accessible immediately upon announcement of the proposed memorandum of understanding between the two countries. (tasnimnews.com)
The development comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington focused on sanctions relief, maritime security, oil exports and Iran’s nuclear programme.
Tasnim further claimed that Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf recently travelled to Qatar as part of efforts to finalise understandings related to the implementation mechanism for the release of Iranian funds.
According to the report, Ghalibaf’s visit was described by Iranian sources as “overall good” and reportedly contributed to progress in ongoing indirect talks with the United States.
Qatar has increasingly emerged as an important diplomatic intermediary in regional negotiations involving Iran, the United States and other Middle Eastern stakeholders. Doha has previously facilitated discussions related to prisoner exchanges, humanitarian arrangements and sanctions-linked negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
The latest reports come shortly after details emerged regarding a possible draft agreement between the US and Iran involving phased easing of sanctions, restoration of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and conditional relaxation of restrictions on Iranian oil exports.
US President Donald Trump recently stated that negotiations with Iran were proceeding in a “constructive” manner while maintaining that Tehran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, continue to insist that sanctions relief and restoration of access to frozen overseas assets remain central demands in any future agreement with Washington.
Billions of dollars in Iranian funds have remained restricted or frozen in foreign banks due to years of US sanctions linked to Tehran’s nuclear activities and regional policies. Access to these funds has remained one of the most sensitive issues in negotiations between the two sides.
Analysts say any breakthrough on frozen assets could significantly influence the pace and direction of broader US-Iran talks, particularly concerning sanctions relief, oil exports and regional stability.
However, neither Washington nor Tehran has officially confirmed the full details of the reported financial arrangements linked to the potential MoU.
Diplomatic discussions are expected to continue in the coming days as negotiators work on issues involving sanctions implementation, compliance guarantees and regional security commitments.