Iran has about $100 billion in frozen assets, according to Al Jazeera
The United States and Iran are preparing for a second round of talks, but the issue of unfreezing Iranian assets remains a point of contention. According to media reports, U.S. President Donald Trump does not plan to exchange access to frozen funds for enriched uranium.
This is according to an investigation by Al Jazeera.
Experts estimate that the total amount of frozen Iranian assets could exceed $100 billion, although exact figures vary.
Frederick Schneider, a senior non-resident fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, noted that this is a “very significant amount,” especially for a country that has long been under the pressure of sanctions.
According to the data cited, Iranian assets are held in various countries:
- China — at least $20 billion
- India — about $7 billion
- Iraq and Qatar — $6 billion each
- United States — approximately $2 billion in banks
- EU — $1.6 billion
- Japan — about $1.5 billion
Roxana Farmanfarman, an academic director at the University of Cambridge, believes that unfreezing these funds could help Iran combat inflation and modernize its infrastructure.
At the same time, political scientist Chris Featherstone of the University of York notes that a potential U.S. decision to unfreeze the assets would send an important diplomatic signal in relations between Washington and Tehran.
As a reminder, Iran has officially denied U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims regarding its alleged willingness to transfer nuclear materials to Washington. Tehran emphasized that such scenarios are not even being considered.
The U.S. and Iran are negotiating a potential deal that would involve exchanging enriched uranium for the unfreezing of approximately $20 billion in Iranian assets. Washington’s primary goal in the negotiations is to prevent Iran from gaining access to significant reserves of enriched uranium and to reduce nuclear risks.
U.S. President Donald Trump also announced progress in negotiations with Iran, under which Washington would allegedly receive all of Tehran’s enriched uranium without any financial payments.
Additionally, Israel agreed to a 10-day ceasefire with Lebanon and announced the start of a move toward a diplomatic settlement; however, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the war against Hezbollah is not yet over and military operations will continue.
Additionally, Iran announced new rules for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the world’s key oil supply routes. Commercial vessels will now be able to transit only with permission from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.
U.S. stock markets opened higher following a sharp drop in oil prices. Investors reacted positively to the news that Iran had reopened the Strait of Hormuz.
Additionally, the U.S. does not plan to lift its naval blockade of Iran, even despite Tehran’s statements regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The restrictions will remain in place until the parties conclude negotiations and sign an agreement.
In Israel, military restrictions have been fully lifted for the first time in a month and a half. This became possible after the ceasefire with Lebanon and Iran has held so far. The country is gradually returning to normal life.
The U.S. is calling on G20 countries, as well as the IMF and the World Bank, to intervene urgently to avoid a fertilizer shortage. Due to the war in the Middle East, supplies have been disrupted precisely during the key planting season.
Global oil prices have also fallen by about 5% following news of a possible agreement between the U.S. and Iran. Investors reacted to Donald Trump’s statement that a deal is imminent and began pricing in a reduction in market tensions.
Airlines are warning that flight cancellations could begin in Europe as early as late May due to a shortage of jet fuel. The industry is asking governments to prepare a clear action plan in advance in case supplies need to be restricted.
Also, the Pakistani tanker Shalamar became the first vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz carrying crude oil since the U.S. blockade began on April 13.
Iran announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping for the duration of the ceasefire in Lebanon.
Iran estimates the damage from US and Israeli bombings at $270 billion and is demanding compensation from five Arab countries
Iran promises to respond to the blockade of its ports by closing the Red Sea.
