JD Vance Says Any Released Iranian Funds Would Be Spent Under US Oversight

US Vice President JD Vance has said that if Iranian assets frozen abroad are ever released, the United States would maintain oversight of how the funds are spent, with the money primarily directed toward purchasing American agricultural products.

Speaking to reporters in Switzerland on Monday, Vance said the proposal was inspired by an idea developed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Donald Trump.

“We wanted to create a mechanism whereby, if Iranian assets are released, the funds are used for the benefit of the Iranian people rather than for financing terrorism,” Vance said.

According to the vice president, the plan was developed in cooperation with Qatar and would allow Iranian funds to be used to purchase US agricultural commodities such as soybeans, corn, and wheat. He argued that the arrangement would provide humanitarian benefits to ordinary Iranians while supporting American farmers.

The proposal comes amid criticism from several conservative US policymakers who have opposed recent efforts by the Trump administration to consider providing Iran with access to frozen assets. Critics argue that even if the funds are formally restricted to humanitarian purposes, the arrangement could free up other Iranian resources that might be directed toward regional groups aligned with Tehran.

Vance, however, insisted that the proposed mechanism would include strict monitoring and oversight of every transaction, ensuring that the money could only be used for approved humanitarian and agricultural purchases.

“This is a classic Trump-style deal,” Vance said. “If Iranian assets are ever released, the funds would help feed the Iranian people while also benefiting American farmers.”

Analysts note that the proposal bears similarities to a 2023 prisoner-exchange agreement reached during the administration of former President Joe Biden. Under that arrangement, Iranian funds held in South Korea were authorized for limited use in purchasing food, agricultural products, and medicine, with transactions subject to oversight by the US Treasury Department.

The latest proposal highlights ongoing efforts by Washington to balance humanitarian considerations with concerns over Iran’s regional activities and the enforcement of sanctions.