The US has drawn a hard line in its ongoing negotiations with Iran: fulfillment comes before funding. Iran’s frozen assets, estimated between $100B and $120B globally, will only be released in tranches tied to verified compliance with a set of commitments, including reductions in enriched uranium stockpiles.
US officials have distilled the position into a blunt phrase: “no dust, no dollars.”
The money on the table
The current round of talks centers on a package worth roughly $24B, with Iran pushing for $12B, or half the total, to be released immediately upon signing a memorandum of understanding. Washington has rejected that framing, insisting that asset access follows performance, not promises.
Mediators from Pakistan and Qatar have been involved in facilitating the discussions. An initial release of Qatar-held funds, estimated between $6B and $12B, appears to be the most likely first tranche if the deal progresses.
