U.S. Agrees to Release Frozen Iranian Assets in Goodwill Move Linked to Hormuz Security

11/04/2026

TEHRAN, April 11: The United States has agreed to release frozen Iranian assets held in foreign banks, including in Qatar, in what officials describe as a goodwill gesture tied to ongoing negotiations with Iran.

A senior Iranian source, cited by Reuters, said the move is intended as a “test of goodwill” and signals Washington’s seriousness about reaching a durable peace agreement amid heightened regional tensions.

According to the source, the asset release is directly linked to efforts to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that has faced major disruptions during the conflict.

The development comes as diplomatic efforts intensify to stabilize the region and secure maritime routes vital for global energy supplies. Officials suggest that confidence-building measures such as the asset release could pave the way for broader agreements, including guarantees for the safe passage of commercial vessels through the strategically important waterway.

Neither Washington nor Tehran has publicly confirmed the detailed terms of the arrangement, but the move is seen as a significant step toward de-escalation ahead of ongoing talks.