Iran Wants Half of Frozen Assets Released Upon Any Agreement, Minister Says

WASHINGTON, United States — TEHRAN — Iran wants half of its frozen assets in the United States released immediately upon signing any memorandum of understanding with Washington, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Garibabaabi said Friday. Garibabaabi stated that Tehran considers the demand the lowest possible threshold and the minimum requirement for any deal. He emphasized the funds are not Western aid or U.S. assistance but rather Iran's own property that Washington has unlawfully blocked from being transferred to Tehran by other nations. Iran's 14-point solution proposal calls for the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets held abroad. Under the plan, half the amount would be released in an initial phase, with the remainder transferred after nuclear negotiations are completed. No further details about the ongoing talks were immediately available.