Iranian state television confirmed on Saturday that the memorandum of understanding discussed between Washington and Tehran stipulates the release of $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets within 60 days, noting that its report was based on an unofficial copy of the text.
اضافة اعلان
On Wednesday, the White House denied an earlier report by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) which claimed the existence of a draft framework agreement with the United States that included a commitment by Washington to lift the naval blockade.
The broadcaster stated that according to an unofficial copy of the text under negotiation, the United States commits to "granting Iran full access to $12 billion of its assets within 60 days, allowing these resources to be transferred and spent in banks within the country or countries Iran desires as a destination, without restrictions."
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that there would be no exchange of funds "until further notice."
The issue of Iranian assets frozen abroad due to U.S. sanctions is one of the key points in the ongoing negotiations to reach an agreement to end the war in the Middle East.
The Iranian news agency (ISNA) reported on Thursday that Tehran is seeking to secure the release of $24 billion, "with half of it to be provided as soon as the memorandum of understanding is announced."
Iranian media reports also indicated that the total value of assets frozen abroad ranges between $100 billion and $123 billion.
The Islamic Republic is also demanding the establishment of a clear mechanism to guarantee the release of other funds, according to the "Tasnim" news agency, citing an "informed source" this week.
Regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has effectively blocked since the start of the war against it on February 28, the protocol, according to IRIB, states that "Iran is the sole authority to determine the nature of transiting vessels, and any vessel whose cargo is deemed a threat, or whose ultimate operator is hostile to Iran... will not be permitted to use the designated routes."
Washington has repeatedly reaffirmed its opposition to Iranian control over this maritime gateway. — (AFP)
