Iran Adviser Says Trump Agreed To Release $24 Billion In Frozen Assets

According to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, Mohsen Rezaei made the remarks on Friday, saying Trump had approved the release of the funds but was reluctant to publicly acknowledge the move.

The claim comes as U.S. and Iranian officials have signaled progress toward a possible agreement that could address Iran's nuclear program, ease tensions in the Gulf and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted international shipping. Officials from both countries have said in recent days that a draft memorandum of understanding is nearing completion, although no final agreement has been signed.

Recent reports have also focused on the potential release of Iranian assets held abroad. Earlier this week, media reports citing unnamed sources claimed that the United Arab Emirates had transferred or released about $3 billion to Iran as part of broader diplomatic efforts. The UAE later rejected the reports, calling them false and stating that no frozen Iranian assets had been released, transferred or moved through the country.

Rezaei said Trump had agreed to the release of $24 billion in Iranian assets but had avoided making a public declaration. He also claimed that the U.S. president was reluctant to negotiate openly with Iran because of what he described as Tehran's growing influence and leverage.

U.S. officials have repeatedly maintained that any sanctions relief or release of frozen Iranian assets would depend on Iran's compliance with the terms of a future agreement.

Washington and Tehran have been engaged in indirect negotiations in recent weeks, with mediation efforts involving Pakistan and other regional actors. The talks have focused on ending the conflict, reopening key shipping routes and addressing concerns over Iran's nuclear activities.

While officials on both sides have acknowledged progress, uncertainty remains over whether a final agreement will be signed in the coming days. U.S. President Donald Trump has said he expects a deal to be concluded soon, while Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have stressed that internal consultations are still ongoing.

Neither the United States nor Iran has released the full text of any proposed agreement, and key issues; including sanctions relief, frozen assets and long-term monitoring of Iran's nuclear program-remain under discussion.

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