Frozen assets dispute remains major hurdle in US-Iran deal

The release of frozen Iranian assets has emerged as the final major hurdle in ongoing negotiations for a deal between the United States and Iran. According to Iranian media reports, efforts are underway to settle the issue through Qatar mediation, although neither the US nor Iran has officially confirmed the development. Iran’s media, citing a source familiar with Tehran’s negotiating team, reported on Tuesday that nearly $24 billion in Iranian assets would need to be unfrozen under a memorandum of understanding currently being discussed with the US. The report added that Iran’s lead negotiator, Mohammad Baqr Qalibaf, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, travelled to Qatar to finalise a mechanism for implementing the proposed release of the funds. IRGC Says Response to Any US Ceasefire Violation ‘Certain’