If Iranian funds are ever unfrozen under a deal to end the Middle East war, Washington can make sure that the money does not finance terrorism, US Vice President JD Vance insisted Monday.
“If we ever unfreeze Iranian assets, we can ensure that… Iranian money goes to help the people of Iran and not to fund terrorism,” Vance told reporters at Switzerland’s Burgenstock resort, where a first round of talks between Tehran and Washington concluded early Monday.
The talks were the first stage of a two-month negotiating period set out under a preliminary deal agreed last week, aimed at drawing a line under the war launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.
Among the elements agreed under the so-called memorandum of understanding was a US commitment to eventually “terminate all types of sanctions against” Tehran, and to “make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets” of Iran.
Vance suggested that criticism of that portion of the agreement was due to “misreporting”.
