The release of Iran’s frozen overseas funds has reportedly emerged as the last major unresolved issue in ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington, according to a report by Iran’s Fars News Agency citing a source close to the negotiation process.
The report claimed that discussions regarding the unfreezing of Iranian assets are currently being mediated through Qatar, which has increasingly become a key diplomatic intermediary in sensitive talks between the United States and Iran.
According to the source quoted by Fars, negotiations have progressed significantly in recent days, with the financial dispute now described as the “last serious sticking point” before broader understandings between the two sides can move forward. However, there has been no official confirmation from either Washington or Tehran regarding the reported developments.
The latest claims come amid a series of reports suggesting that the United States and Iran are discussing a potential framework involving phased sanctions relief, maritime security arrangements and conditional easing of restrictions on Iranian oil exports.
Earlier reports from Iranian media outlets including Tasnim indicated that Tehran is demanding access to nearly $24 billion in frozen assets as part of a possible memorandum of understanding with the US. Iranian negotiators have reportedly insisted that a significant portion of those funds should become accessible immediately after any agreement is announced.
Qatar’s role in the negotiations has continued to expand in recent years, particularly in facilitating indirect talks, humanitarian exchanges and diplomatic communications between the two countries. Doha has previously acted as a mediator in discussions involving sanctions relief, prisoner exchanges and regional security matters.
US President Donald Trump recently stated that negotiations with Iran were progressing in a “constructive and orderly” manner while reiterating that Tehran would not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, continue to maintain that meaningful sanctions relief and restoration of access to frozen overseas funds remain central demands in any future agreement with Washington.
Billions of dollars in Iranian assets have remained blocked in foreign financial institutions for years due to US sanctions linked to Iran’s nuclear programme and regional activities. The issue remains one of the most sensitive and politically significant aspects of the negotiations.
Diplomatic observers say any agreement over frozen assets could significantly impact wider discussions involving sanctions relief, oil exports, regional security and maritime stability in the Gulf region.
The Strait of Hormuz and broader Gulf maritime security have also emerged as important subjects in recent negotiations, particularly amid concerns over energy supply routes and global oil market stability.
Despite growing speculation surrounding a possible breakthrough, officials from both sides have yet to formally confirm the reported draft understandings or financial arrangements linked to the talks.
Further negotiations are expected in the coming days as mediators continue efforts to bridge remaining gaps between the two countries.