Iran Says Proposed U.S. Memorandum Includes Release of $12 Billion in Frozen Assets

Iranian state media reported on Saturday that a proposed memorandum of understanding with the United States includes provisions for the release of $12 billion in Iranian assets currently frozen under international restrictions.

The report cited what it described as an “unofficial” draft of the memorandum. However, the White House earlier this week dismissed similar claims aired on Iranian state television as fabricated.

The latest report emerged a day after U.S. President Donald Trump provided his own detailed account of a potential agreement aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries. Iranian sources, however, have disputed key elements of Trump’s description of the proposed deal.

According to Iranian state television, the United States has pledged to grant Iran full access to the $12 billion within 60 days, allowing the funds to be transferred and spent through banks of Tehran’s choosing without restrictions.

On Friday, Trump insisted that “no money will be exchanged until further notice,” appearing to contradict the claims made in the Iranian report.

Earlier this week, a source said that the governor of Iran’s central bank was part of a delegation visiting Qatar. According to the source, discussions regarding the frozen assets were among the key topics under consideration and were referenced in the proposed memorandum as part of a broader final agreement.

Iranian state television also reported on Saturday that Tehran would continue to administer and control the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway that Iran has reportedly restricted since the outbreak of the conflict, contributing to instability in global energy markets.

Trump, however, said on Friday that Iran would reopen the strait to ensure the free passage of shipping. The United States has repeatedly stated that continued Iranian control over the critical energy transit route in a manner that disrupts international navigation would be unacceptable.

The differing accounts from Washington and Tehran highlight the uncertainty surrounding the reported negotiations and underscore the absence of an officially confirmed agreement between the two sides.