Peace negotiations between the United States and Iran have reportedly hit a snag, as Tehran has set demands for $24 billion in frozen assets to be released in order for any deal to be reached.
A source close to Iran’s negotiation team told Tasnim News Agency that this amount must be addressed under a memorandum of understanding being discussed. Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Baqr Qalibaf, traveled to Qatar to work on mechanisms for implementing access to these funds.
Details indicate the demand is structured in phases. Iran has sought immediate access to $12 billion in frozen assets, including those held in Qatar, as a precondition for advancing an interim agreement, with another $12 billion to follow within a specified period, such as 60 days. Officials have described this as a necessary step for trust-building and a prerequisite before broader talks can progress meaningfully.
This financial issue has become a reported sticking point amid efforts to formalize a ceasefire and outline steps toward resolving wider differences following the eruption of regional conflict on February 28. Third-party negotiators in Qatar, Oman and Pakistan have helped to facilitate negotiations between the two sides.
Both sides have outlined firm positions on several core issues. On the Iranian side, key demands include limiting the scope of initial negotiations primarily to nuclear-related matters and sanctions relief, while resisting immediate or comprehensive concessions on its ballistic missile program and regional activities.
Iran has maintained that it will not accept a complete and permanent end to uranium enrichment, viewing it as inconsistent with its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Reports also indicate reluctance to fully dismantle nuclear infrastructure or surrender highly enriched uranium stockpiles in the early phases of any agreement.
For the United States, red lines have centered on stringent nuclear restrictions. These include demands for Iran to end uranium enrichment activities, dismantle major enrichment facilities, and remove or deliver highly enriched uranium material. Additional US priorities involve a fully reopened Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or tolls, cessation of support for regional proxy groups, and broader regional de-escalation involving allies.
The US has emphasized long-term assurances against nuclear weapons development, with proposals such as a 20-year suspension of nuclear activities discussed in earlier rounds. Sanctions relief has been linked to verifiable Iranian actions rather than upfront concessions.
Negotiations have involved frameworks such as a potential 60-day MoU to extend calm and address immediate issues like the disposal of enriched uranium and enrichment levels. A draft plan has been under consideration, though accounts differ on specific terms, and final approvals remain pending.
