US Set to Unfreeze Iranian Assets as Part of Preliminary Nuclear Deal Framework

Washington and Tehran inch closer to a historic agreement with asset unfreezing emerging as a key first-step demand from Iran’s side.

A Deal Taking Shape With Conditions Attached

Washington is reportedly obligated to unfreeze a portion of Iran’s frozen assets and this must happen right after both sides sign a Memorandum of Understanding. That is the core of a preliminary arrangement now being discussed between the two nations. The development marks a significant step in ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the long-standing nuclear standoff between the US and Iran.

President Donald Trump had earlier stated that a deal with Iran is largely agreed upon. He added that final details are still being worked out and will be announced shortly.

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Iran Pushes for Upfront Asset Relief

“Information about the details of the preliminary ‘possible’ arrangement indicates that, if the Memorandum of Understanding becomes an agreement, at least a portion of Iranian assets must be unfrozen at the first stage,” according to a report from the Tasnim news agency.

Over recent weeks, Washington had been attempting to tie the unfreezing of Iranian assets directly to a final nuclear agreement. Iran, however drawing on its earlier negative experiences is firmly pushing back. Tehran insists that a portion of the frozen assets must be released immediately upon the signing of the MOU, not later.

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Mechanism for Remaining Assets Must Be Clearly Defined

The mechanism for unblocking the remaining portion of the assets must also be clearly spelled out during the negotiation process. If Washington creates obstacles to that unblocking, Tehran reserves the right to revisit its position in future rounds of talks.

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Background: From Airstrikes to Ceasefire to Blockade

The United States and Israel began striking targets inside Iran on February 28 a military campaign that claimed more than three thousand lives. Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire on April 8. Subsequent talks held in Islamabad ended without a breakthrough. No resumption of hostilities was reported after that but the United States moved to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports, keeping pressure on Tehran.

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