Iran’s Central Bank Governor Abdolnasser Hemmati stated that the United States has “clearly and legally” agreed to release Iran’s blocked assets. The declaration marks one of the most concrete public claims from Tehran about progress in the ongoing diplomatic standoff over frozen Iranian funds.
The assets in question total an estimated $24 billion, spread across multiple countries. Iran’s frozen assets are distributed across at least three countries. Approximately $12 billion sits in Qatar, around $7 billion in India, and roughly $6 billion in Iraq.
Iranian media have reported the existence of a 14-point memorandum outlining the mechanics of how these funds would be released. The structure reportedly involves two tranches: an initial $12 billion before formal negotiations commence, and an additional $12 billion during a 60-day window tied to the broader talks.
Qatar appears to be playing the role of intermediary in these transactions. Hemmati traveled to Doha around May 25, 2026, specifically to discuss the unfreezing process, underscoring Qatar’s importance as a diplomatic bridge between Washington and Tehran.
These asset negotiations are deeply intertwined with broader US-Iran talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire following hostilities in mid-2026. For Iran, getting its money back has been a primary demand alongside broader sanctions relief.
