The United States is expected to begin unfreezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets as part of a landmark peace agreement aimed at ending months of military escalation between Washington and Tehran.
Several international outlets report that the proposed agreement includes phased access to frozen Iranian funds held abroad in exchange for commitments on maritime security, regional de-escalation and renewed nuclear negotiations.
The move marks one of the most significant economic concessions by the United States toward Iran in years and could dramatically reshape relations between the longtime adversaries.
Sources involved in the talks said negotiators discussed the release of nearly $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets currently held in foreign accounts under international sanctions frameworks. The funds are expected to be released gradually under international monitoring mechanisms tied to Iran’s compliance with the agreement.
Iranian officials have repeatedly argued that the frozen assets belong to the Iranian people and should be used to stabilize the country’s economy after years of sanctions, inflation and recent conflict-related damage.
The unfreezing of assets forms a central pillar of the broader peace framework reached this week after intensive mediation efforts involving Oman, Pakistan and Switzerland. The agreement also includes a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil exports.
Global markets responded positively to news of the deal, with oil prices falling sharply amid expectations that energy shipments through the Gulf would normalize. Analysts said the release of Iranian assets could further boost economic activity in the region and ease pressure on Tehran’s weakened currency.
US officials, however, stressed that access to the funds would likely be conditional and closely monitored. Some of the money may reportedly be restricted to humanitarian imports, infrastructure rebuilding and economic recovery programs.
The issue of frozen Iranian assets has long been one of the most sensitive topics in negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Billions of dollars were frozen under sanctions linked to Iran’s nuclear program and regional military activities.
Critics in the United States and Israel have warned that releasing the funds could strengthen Iran’s regional influence and military networks. Supporters of the agreement argue that economic incentives are necessary to sustain diplomacy and prevent another major conflict in the Middle East.
Iran’s economy has been severely affected by years of sanctions that restricted oil exports, banking transactions and access to international financial systems. Economists say the release of frozen assets could provide Tehran with urgently needed foreign currency reserves and help stabilize domestic markets.
Despite the breakthrough, major uncertainties remain. Negotiators are still discussing how quickly the assets would be released and what verification mechanisms would be used to ensure compliance from both sides.
The formal signing of the agreement is expected later this week in Switzerland as diplomatic teams continue negotiations on the final details of implementation.
