Trump says US would only unfreeze Iranian assets after peace deal
Trump Asserts US Will Unfreeze Iranian Assets Only After Peace Agreement
Trump says US would only unfreeze - On Friday, President Trump asserted that the United States would not release Iranian assets until a peace agreement is finalized. His remarks came during an interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” where he was pressed about potential concessions in the ongoing negotiations with Iran. When host Kristen Welker asked whether he would unfreeze any Iranian assets or lift sanctions as part of an agreement, Trump responded with a firm “No,” highlighting the administration’s insistence on a comprehensive deal before any financial relief is granted.
“No,” the president said on NBC News’s “Meet the Press” in an interview that aired Sunday, when host Kristen Welker asked if he would unfreeze any Iranian assets or lift any sanctions as part of an agreement.
Trump elaborated on his position, stating that discussions about easing restrictions would only begin if Iran demonstrated good behavior. “If they behave, if they do a good job, we start talking” about unfreezing assets and lifting sanctions, he added. This conditional approach underscores the administration’s desire to ensure Iran’s compliance before reversing economic measures.
Iranian Officials Estimate Over $100 Billion in Frozen Assets
According to Iran International, Iranian officials estimate that more than $100 billion in assets are currently inaccessible due to sanctions, banking limitations, and legal disputes. These frozen funds, held in U.S. financial institutions, have become a critical point of contention in the talks. The figures reflect the growing economic strain on Tehran, which relies heavily on international trade and financial reserves to sustain its economy.
Negotiations Hit Deadlock Over $24 Billion in Frozen Funds
Meanwhile, Mohsen Rezaei, a military advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, told CNN on Friday that the negotiations have reached a stalemate. The impasse stems from the Trump administration’s refusal to release $24 billion in Iranian assets, a move that Rezaei described as essential for progress. “The negotiations are at a deadlock, and Trump must break this deadlock,” he stated. “The ball is in Trump’s court.”
“The negotiations are at a deadlock, and Trump must break this deadlock,” Rezaei said. “The ball is in Trump’s court.”
Rezaei’s comments emphasize the urgency felt by Iranian officials, who view the frozen assets as a lifeline. The $24 billion figure represents a significant portion of the total estimated $100 billion in restricted funds, raising concerns about how the administration’s stance could impact Iran’s financial stability. Analysts suggest that this amount could be crucial for Tehran to maintain its economic resilience amid international pressure.
Treasury Department Seeks Gulf Allies’ Input on Asset Use
Despite the diplomatic tension, the U.S. Treasury Department is reportedly considering using frozen Iranian assets to support Gulf allies recovering from damage caused by Tehran. CBS News reported Saturday that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has directed the department to gather estimates from regional partners on the cost of repairs. This strategy reflects a dual approach: applying pressure on Iran while also providing aid to allies in the region.
“Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has directed his department to seek estimates from Gulf allies of how much repairs would cost,” CBS News reported Saturday.
The initiative aims to align with the administration’s broader goals of countering Iran’s influence in the Middle East. By redirecting Iranian funds, the U.S. could potentially bolster its allies’ economic recovery efforts. However, this plan has sparked debate, with some questioning whether it undermines the leverage the administration holds in negotiations.
Trump Claims Closer to a Deal, But Demands Broader Concessions
Trump told Welker on Friday that his administration and Iranian officials are “very close” to finalizing a deal. He emphasized that while Iran has “conceded the fact” of not developing nuclear weapons, the terms of the agreement remain incomplete. “We had a clause in there that we will not develop nuclear weapons,” Trump stated. “And everybody was very happy with it except me.”
“We had a clause in there that we will not develop nuclear weapons,” Trump said. “And everybody was very happy with it except me. And I said, ‘Well, what happens if they, not develop, but they go out and purchase, they acquire?’”
Trump’s frustration with the initial clause led him to push for additional safeguards. He argued that Iran should not only refrain from developing nuclear weapons but also from acquiring them through purchases or other means. “I want to put the word, if they buy or purchase or acquire … You’ve got to have that in there too because that’s not developing,” he continued. This insistence on broader concessions highlights the administration’s focus on preventing any nuclear advancements by Iran, even through indirect methods.
Warning of Military Action if Agreement Fails
Trump warned that the U.S. could resort to military action if a deal is not reached in the near future. “I think that we’ll either have something done fairly quickly, or we’ll finish it out militarily,” he noted. This threat underscores the administration’s determination to achieve its objectives through both diplomatic and coercive means. The possibility of renewed conflict has raised concerns among global stakeholders, particularly those invested in regional stability.
The evolving dynamics of the negotiations reveal a complex interplay between economic pressure and military readiness. While Iran seeks to unlock its frozen assets to mitigate economic fallout, the U.S. aims to use these funds as leverage to secure broader commitments. The Trump administration’s strategy hinges on a combination of carrot and stick: offering relief in exchange for concessions, and threatening action if those concessions are not met.
Analysts suggest that the $24 billion in frozen assets could be a pivotal element in the talks. For Iran, this amount represents not just a financial buffer but also a symbolic gesture of goodwill. For the U.S., it serves as a tangible tool to enforce compliance. However, the path to agreement remains uncertain, with both sides navigating their respective priorities and strategic goals.
As the negotiations continue, the stakes grow higher. The outcome could shape Iran’s future in the region, influence global oil markets, and determine the balance of power between the U.S. and its Gulf allies. Trump’s emphasis on a peace deal before unfreezing assets signals a renewed commitment to securing long-term stability, even as the administration remains prepared to take decisive action if necessary.