Iran has sharply raised the stakes in ongoing negotiations with the United States, insisting that at least 50% of its frozen overseas assets be released immediately upon the signing of any prospective memorandum of understanding, according to senior Iranian officials cited by state and semi-official media.
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, said Tehran is actively exploring mechanisms to secure access to its blocked funds under a possible agreement with Washington.
“At minimum, the Islamic Republic of Iran insists that 50% of these funds be made available to Iran immediately upon the signing of the memorandum of understanding,” Gharibabadi said.
He added that the remaining funds should be released within a defined timeline deemed acceptable by Tehran, specifying a period of one to two months, with the full process expected to be completed within 60 days, accordinews agencies .
Alongside financial conditions, Iran has linked progress in talks to broader political and security demands.
These include complete lifting of primary and secondary US sanctions; normalisation of Iran’s position in international institutions, including the UN Security Council; resolution of outstanding issues with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ending what Tehran describes as military pressure across multiple fronts, including Lebanon and removal of alleged maritime restrictions and blockades.
Iranian officials have indicated that no final agreement will be accepted unless these core conditions are adequately addressed.
