Frozen Iran Assets Emerge as Key Issue in Tehran-Washington Talks

Indirect talks between Iran and the United States are centering on the release of about $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, one of the main issues in the ongoing negotiations. The discussions, mediated by Qatar, are seen as a key test of whether the two sides can move closer to a broader understanding. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf traveled to Doha as the contacts advanced, and progress was reported in the talks. Iranian officials view the release of frozen funds as a basic condition for any agreement. A large part of the proposed understanding has reportedly been settled, but the final issue remains how the money will be released and under what conditions. That question is now the last major item left on the agenda. Iran’s frozen assets abroad are estimated at between $100 billion and $120 billion, underscoring the wider financial stakes behind the negotiations. The fate of the $24 billion package has therefore become central to the current round of diplomacy.