US Rejects Iranian Claims on Frozen Funds Under Deal Framework

WASHINGTON, June 15: A senior US official has rejected Iranian claims that Tehran would receive billions of dollars in frozen assets before the start of negotiations on a final agreement, describing the reports as inaccurate and “spin,” Axios reported.

According to Axios, the official denied assertions that Iran would gain access to $12 billion in blocked funds prior to the beginning of a 60-day negotiating period.

“This is completely not true,” the official said. “This is a pay-for-performance deal and no frozen funds will be released without the Iranians implementing their commitments.”

The clarification comes amid ongoing conflicting narratives surrounding the emerging US–Iran understanding, with Iranian officials suggesting that certain commitments, including the release of frozen assets and easing of maritime restrictions, would precede final negotiations.

Washington, however, insists that any financial or sanctions-related measures will be strictly tied to verified implementation of Iranian obligations under the framework agreement.

The developments highlight continuing uncertainty over the sequencing of commitments in the evolving diplomatic process between the two countries, even as broader discussions on de-escalation and regional stability continue.