The United States is set to release $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets before the commencement of negotiations between Washington and Tehran, according to a report published by Iran’s Mehr News Agency on Monday.
Mehr reported that the planned release is contained in a 14-point memorandum of understanding allegedly agreed upon by both countries as part of efforts to pave the way for renewed diplomatic engagement.
According to the document, a total of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets would be released during a 60-day negotiation period that begins once the memorandum is formally concluded.
The report stated that half of the funds — amounting to $12 billion — would be made available to Iran before negotiations officially begin, while the remaining balance would be released over the course of the talks.
The memorandum, however, has not been officially confirmed by either the United States or Iranian authorities, raising questions about the authenticity and implementation of the reported agreement.
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The development comes amid ongoing efforts by both countries to ease long-standing tensions and explore potential areas of cooperation, including economic and security issues.
If confirmed, the release of the assets would mark a significant step in diplomatic relations between the two nations and could provide a major boost to Iran’s economy, which has faced years of sanctions and financial restrictions.
Neither Washington nor Tehran had issued an official statement on the report as of Monday.