Peace talks between the United States and Iran have reportedly hit a hurdle, as Tehran has made the release of $24 billion in frozen assets a condition for any agreement. A source familiar with Iran’s negotiation team told Tasnim News Agency that this funding issue is central to the memorandum of understanding under discussion. Iran’s lead negotiator, Mohammad Baqr Qalibaf, has traveled to Qatar to discuss mechanisms for accessing these funds.
The demand is reportedly structured in two phases. Iran has requested immediate access to $12 billion, including assets held in Qatar, as a prerequisite for moving forward with an interim agreement. The remaining $12 billion would be released within a set period, possibly 60 days. Officials have described this approach as a trust-building step necessary before broader negotiations can advance.
The financial issue has become a significant sticking point amid efforts to formalize a ceasefire and address wider regional tensions following the outbreak of conflict on February 28. Third-party facilitators from Qatar, Oman, and Pakistan have helped both sides navigate the complex financial and security elements of the talks.
Iran has emphasized limiting initial discussions primarily to nuclear-related matters and sanctions relief, while resisting immediate concessions on its ballistic missile program and regional activities. Tehran has also stated that it will not agree to a complete and permanent halt to uranium enrichment or the full dismantling of nuclear infrastructure in the early phases of any deal.
The United States has focused on strict nuclear limitations, including ending enrichment activities at major facilities and addressing existing highly enriched uranium stockpiles. Other priorities include keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, stopping support for regional proxy groups, and achieving broader de-escalation with allied coordination. Sanctions relief, according to U.S. officials, would be linked to verifiable Iranian actions rather than upfront concessions.
Negotiators have considered short-term measures, such as a 60-day memorandum of understanding, to stabilize the situation while addressing urgent issues like uranium disposal and enrichment levels. While a draft plan has been discussed, details remain under review, and final approvals are still pending.