Iran demands $24 billion in frozen assets for ceasefire deal

Iran has stipulated the release of $24 billion in frozen assets as a prerequisite for announcing a ceasefire agreement and proceeding with follow-up negotiations, according to reports.

Iranian negotiators, including the Parliament speaker, foreign minister, and central bank governor, convened in Qatar to discuss the specifics of the asset release. Sources close to the negotiation team indicated that a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlines a phased release of the frozen funds over the negotiation period.

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No negotiations are possible unless Iran's frozen funds are deposited.

According to the Tasnim news agency, Iran insists that $12 billion of the frozen assets should be accessible for use within Iran immediately after the MOU's announcement. The remaining $12 billion would be transferred during the subsequent 60-day negotiation period. Another report from Fars news agency cited sources stating that "no negotiations are possible unless Iran's frozen funds are deposited."

Total Iranian assets frozen abroad are estimated at $100 billion. The recent visit to Qatar by Iranian officials was aimed at discussing the implementation methods for the asset release, fund access, and the removal of obstacles. A Qatar foreign ministry spokesperson clarified that reports of Qatar providing $12 billion to Iran were untrue, explaining that the funds discussed were originally Iranian property and unrelated to guarantees for the MOU.

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Qatar's statements are not entirely incorrect. The funds discussed in Qatar are originally Iran's property and are not related to MOU guarantees.