In a major development in the US-Iran negotiations, a senior Iranian official has revealed that the unfreezing of Iranian frozen assets is directly linked to ensuring safe and open passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The disclosure, reported by Reuters, comes as both sides work toward finalizing a ceasefire agreement and restoring full commercial shipping in the critical waterway.
Background: Frozen Assets and Hormuz Tensions
Iran’s overseas assets — estimated in the tens of billions overall — were frozen under various US sanctions regimes. The specific $6 billion tranche in Qatar gained attention in previous prisoner-swap deals but was later restricted again.
During the recent escalation in early 2026, Iran restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, causing a sharp drop in traffic and spiking global energy concerns. Iran later declared the strait open for all commercial vessels during the remaining period of the Lebanon ceasefire, while maintaining that military vessels are not permitted.
President Donald J. Trump responded by stating the strait is “completely open and ready for business,” but emphasized that the US naval blockade targeting Iran-linked traffic would remain in effect until the full transaction and deal with Iran is 100% complete.