US-Iran MoU is a ‘golden opportunity’ to end decades of hostility: Ex-Iran negotiator
Published June 23, 2026
TEHRAN / WASHINGTON — Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed this week that the United States is preparing to release approximately $12 billion in frozen Iranian funds, a statement that comes amid ongoing tensions over sanctions, nuclear negotiations, and broader U.S.–Iran relations.
Ghalibaf made the remarks during a public address in Tehran, saying the alleged release of funds reflects what he described as “changing conditions” in international pressure on Iran. However, U.S. officials have not confirmed any agreement involving the unfreezing of Iranian assets at that level.
The claim immediately raised questions in Washington, where officials have maintained that sanctions remain a key tool of U.S. foreign policy aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear development and regional activities.
No confirmation from U.S. officials
As of now, there has been no public confirmation from the White House, State Department, or Treasury Department that $12 billion in Iranian assets will be released. U.S. sanctions policy has generally targeted Iranian oil revenue and financial reserves held in foreign banks, restricting Tehran’s access to global financial systems.
Previous limited agreements have involved restricted access to frozen funds under tightly controlled conditions, often tied to humanitarian exemptions or diplomatic arrangements, but not broad unfreezing of assets.
Background on frozen Iranian funds
Iran has long sought access to billions of dollars in restricted assets held in foreign financial institutions, much of it tied to oil revenues frozen under U.S. sanctions regimes. Periodic negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program have occasionally included discussions about limited sanctions relief in exchange for compliance steps.
However, broader sanctions relief has remained politically contentious in Washington, particularly among lawmakers who argue that financial concessions could strengthen Iran’s regional influence.
Nuclear talks remain uncertain
The financial claim comes as indirect negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program continue through intermediaries, with no clear breakthrough reported. Western officials have repeatedly said Iran must limit uranium enrichment levels and expand international monitoring in exchange for any significant sanctions relief.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, have insisted that sanctions must be lifted as a precondition for major concessions.
Regional and political implications
Any move involving frozen Iranian assets would likely draw scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and allies in the Middle East, particularly Israel and Gulf states, who have expressed concern about Iran’s regional activities and missile program.
For now, the claim by Ghalibaf remains unverified, and officials in Washington have not indicated any policy shift regarding Iran’s frozen financial assets.
🧩 Reading Between the Lines:
More Than Just a Financial Claim
The statement by Iran’s parliamentary speaker about the U.S. releasing $12 billion in frozen funds goes beyond a simple policy announcement. Whether confirmed or not, it highlights how financial pressure and sanctions remain central tools in U.S.–Iran relations, and how both sides use public messaging to signal negotiating positions.
Sanctions as Leverage in Ongoing Tensions
Even without official confirmation from Washington, the claim reflects the broader reality that frozen assets are often part of behind-the-scenes discussions tied to sanctions enforcement and nuclear diplomacy. The issue is less about a single transaction and more about whether sanctions relief is being considered as part of a wider diplomatic framework.
Competing Narratives in Diplomacy
Public statements like Ghalibaf’s often serve a dual purpose: communicating internally to domestic audiences while also testing international reaction. In contrast, U.S. officials typically avoid confirming details unless agreements are finalized, creating a gap between political messaging and official policy.
Uncertainty Around Negotiation Channels
The lack of confirmation from U.S. agencies underscores how opaque and indirect negotiations with Iran often are. Much of the diplomacy occurs through intermediaries, which can lead to conflicting interpretations of what has actually been agreed—or discussed.
Broader Regional Implications
Any perceived shift in sanctions enforcement or financial access would be closely watched by regional actors, including U.S. allies in the Middle East. Even unverified claims can influence markets, diplomatic calculations, and strategic positioning across the region.
🔗 The Stakes: Why This Story Matters
The claim that the United States may release $12 billion in frozen Iranian funds—whether confirmed or not—goes beyond a financial dispute. It touches on broader questions about how Washington uses sanctions, how diplomacy with Iran is conducted, and what leverage the U.S. is willing to trade in exchange for progress on nuclear and regional security concerns.
Sanctions as a Core Policy Tool
For decades, frozen assets and financial restrictions have been one of the main ways the U.S. applies pressure on Iran. Any perceived shift in that approach raises questions about whether sanctions are being maintained, modified, or used as bargaining tools in ongoing negotiations.
Impact on Nuclear Negotiations
Financial relief is often a central issue in talks over Iran’s nuclear program. If sanctions easing is on the table, it could influence Iran’s willingness to accept restrictions—but it could also raise concerns among critics who argue that economic concessions may weaken long-term pressure.
Regional Security Concerns
Any movement on Iranian funds is closely watched by U.S. allies in the Middle East, particularly those who view Iran’s regional influence as a security threat. Even unverified claims can affect diplomatic calculations and increase uncertainty among regional governments.
Trust and Transparency in Diplomacy
The gap between public claims and official confirmation highlights how opaque negotiations with Iran often are. This uncertainty can complicate efforts to assess progress and fuel competing narratives about what is actually happening behind closed doors.
🏁 The Final Word: What This Means Going Forward
For now, the claim that the United States will release $12 billion in frozen Iranian funds remains unverified by U.S. officials, leaving key questions unanswered about whether any policy shift is actually underway. Still, the statement itself underscores how financial sanctions, nuclear diplomacy, and political messaging remain tightly linked in U.S.–Iran relations. As negotiations continue through indirect channels, both sides are likely to keep using public statements to signal positions and test reactions. The outcome will depend on whether quiet diplomatic talks can produce concrete agreements—or whether conflicting narratives continue to define the relationship moving forward.
SOURCES: AL JAZEERA – Ghalibaf says US to release $12bn in frozen Iranian funds
PAJWHOK AFGHAN NEWS – Ghalibaf says US agrees to release $12bn in frozen Iranian funds
DAILY MIRROR – Iran, US finalise agreement on release of $12b in frozen assets
