Iran Demands Release of Frozen Assets as Condition for Peace Deal With US

Iran has made the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets a central demand in negotiations with the United States, with a senior Iranian official describing the issue as a critical test of trust between the two countries.

Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leadership and former Revolutionary Guard commander, said progress toward a lasting settlement depends on Washington allowing Tehran access to funds that have been frozen under decades of sanctions.

According to Rezaei, Iran wants the release of at least $24 billion as a sign that the United States is serious about reaching an agreement.

“This is our own money, not America’s money,” he said in an interview broadcast on Friday.

Frozen Funds at the Center of Negotiations

The dispute over frozen assets comes as diplomatic efforts continue following months of conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel.

Although a ceasefire has been in place since April, negotiators have yet to reach a permanent settlement.

Iranian officials argue that access to frozen funds is essential before any broader agreement can be finalized.

While there is no universally accepted figure for the total value of Iranian assets held abroad, estimates have ranged from $100 billion to more than $120 billion.

Tehran maintains that these funds belong to the Iranian people and should be released as part of any normalization process.

Sanctions Remain a Major Barrier

Iran has faced extensive economic sanctions and asset freezes since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Over the decades, restrictions imposed by the United States and other Western countries have limited Iran’s access to international banking systems and overseas assets.

Iranian negotiators continue to view sanctions relief and asset releases as essential components of any future agreement.

For Washington, however, the issue remains tied to broader concerns about Iran’s regional activities, nuclear program and security commitments.

Wider Regional Demands

Iran’s demands extend beyond financial issues.

Officials have repeatedly called for a complete end to military operations across the region, including in Lebanon, where Hezbollah remains engaged in conflict with Israel.

Tehran has argued that any long-term settlement must address all fronts simultaneously rather than focusing solely on bilateral US-Iran relations.

The position has complicated negotiations, with multiple regional actors involved in parallel diplomatic discussions.

Iran Warns Against Renewed Conflict

Despite ongoing tensions, Rezaei suggested that a return to full-scale war remains unlikely.

He warned, however, that any renewed military action by the United States could trigger a wider regional confrontation extending beyond the Gulf.

According to Iranian officials, future hostilities could expand into new theatres if diplomatic efforts collapse.

At the same time, Tehran continues to signal that it remains open to negotiations if its core demands are addressed.