{"id":1874427,"date":"2026-04-09T13:18:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T10:18:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1874427"},"modified":"2026-04-09T13:18:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T10:18:17","slug":"could-billions-in-frozen-iranian-assets-help-the-us-unlock-a-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1874427","title":{"rendered":"Could billions in frozen Iranian assets help the US unlock a deal?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/56\/24\/1200x675_cmsv2_0cae5fa5-ef6e-5ae4-a7ed-33295621302d-9715624.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884972-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884972\" data-cid=\"9716266\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884972-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/62\/66\/189x106_cmsv2_af533320-8310-5723-b5db-4dafcbef81b5-9716266.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks to media at the chancellery in Berlin, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Germany<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Germany resumes talks with Iran, Chancellor Friedrich Merz says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885002-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2885002\" data-cid=\"9716433\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885002-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/64\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_c6f574ce-cceb-5319-bc2f-47a7a149bcac-9716433.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Men inspect the damage to their home destroyed in an Israeli airstrike a day earlier in Beirut, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Lebanon<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Israel&#8217;s cabinet told &#8216;to begin direct negotiations&#8217; with Lebanon\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884987-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884987\" data-cid=\"9716336\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884987-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/63\/36\/189x106_cmsv2_f036b22c-8ea9-5550-a26b-99c11ac8423b-9716336.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, 6 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    USA<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump again berates NATO, calls it &#8216;disappointing&#8217;\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884835-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884835\" data-cid=\"9715487\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884835-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/54\/87\/189x106_cmsv2_85d086c2-1d8f-5f9f-9e76-85745bc20423-9715487.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A healthy plant-based diet might be linked to a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's and other dementias.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Plant-food rich diet may cut dementia risk, study finds\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884972-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2884972\" data-cid=\"9716266\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884972-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/62\/66\/189x106_cmsv2_af533320-8310-5723-b5db-4dafcbef81b5-9716266.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks to media at the chancellery in Berlin, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Germany<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Germany resumes talks with Iran, Chancellor Friedrich Merz says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2885002-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2885002\" data-cid=\"9716433\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2885002-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/64\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_c6f574ce-cceb-5319-bc2f-47a7a149bcac-9716433.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Men inspect the damage to their home destroyed in an Israeli airstrike a day earlier in Beirut, 9 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Lebanon<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Israel&#8217;s cabinet told &#8216;to begin direct negotiations&#8217; with Lebanon\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884987-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2884987\" data-cid=\"9716336\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884987-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/63\/36\/189x106_cmsv2_f036b22c-8ea9-5550-a26b-99c11ac8423b-9716336.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, 6 April, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    USA<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump again berates NATO, calls it &#8216;disappointing&#8217;\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884835-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2884835\" data-cid=\"9715487\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884835-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/54\/87\/189x106_cmsv2_85d086c2-1d8f-5f9f-9e76-85745bc20423-9715487.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A healthy plant-based diet might be linked to a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's and other dementias.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Plant-food rich diet may cut dementia risk, study finds\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Business<\/p>\n<p>                          Economy<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Could billions in frozen Iranian assets help the US unlock a deal?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/56\/24\/1536x864_cmsv2_0cae5fa5-ef6e-5ae4-a7ed-33295621302d-9715624.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"People donate money following a call by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani to support Iran and Lebanon during the war, Babylon, Iraq, 27 March 2026\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              People donate money following a call by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani to support Iran and Lebanon during the war, Babylon, Iraq, 27 March 2026<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo\/Anmar Khalil<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\/Anmar Khalil\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspUna Hajdari&amp;nbsp&amp;&amp;nbspQuirino Mealha\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1775740697\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-04-09 15:18:17 +02:00\">09\/04\/2026 &#8211; 15:18 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"15:34\">15:34<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"partage-commentaire-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Ahead of US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad on Friday, a top demand from Tehran will likely be the unlocking of its frozen assets abroad. Trump will have to consider handing back the fortune he once locked away.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--business js-article-content\">\n<p>While the specific details of an Iran-US ceasefire agreement \u2014 or even a long-term deal \u2014 seem very much up in the air, a key demand from Tehran will likely be the return of Iranian assets frozen abroad. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Both current reporting on the ongoing negotiations as well as a history of conditioning their approval with the release of funds stashed overseas suggest this demand will come on top of a broader request for the US to lift all primary and secondary sanctions imposed on Iran.<\/p>\n<p>The exact value of Iran\u2019s frozen assets is unclear, but several estimates place the total over $100 billion (\u20ac86.5bn).<\/p>\n<p>In the past, the Tehran regime set up foreign currency accounts with major global banks to maintain reserves to back the value of Iran\u2019s official currency, the rial.<\/p>\n<p>Successive sanctions packages blocked the regime\u2019s access to these funds, often sending the rial into a tailspin and preventing Iranian companies, which purchase goods and services from foreign suppliers, from settling in euros, yen or other currencies.<\/p>\n<p>So important is the access to foreign currencies that during a congressional hearing in February, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent went as far as to admit that the US purposely caused a dollar shortage in Iran as a catalyst for protests.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe created a dollar shortage in the country &#8230; with a grand culmination in December when one of the largest banks in Iran went under, there was a run on the bank, the central bank had to print money, the Iranian currency went into free fall, inflation exploded and hence we have seen the Iranian people out on the street,&#8221; Bessent stated.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/56\/24\/808x539_cmsv2_da48ac2c-0bb1-596a-a94d-66f70eef8132-9715624.jpg\" alt=\"US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testifies before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill, 5 Feb. 2026\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testifies before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill, 5 Feb. 2026<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo\/Mariam Zuhaib<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Before the war broke out, Iran was already in a full-blown economic emergency. The Statistical Centre of Iran put year-on-year inflation at 68.1% in February \u2014 the highest since World War II \u2014 while the Central Bank of Iran reported a slightly lower rate of 62.2%. <\/p>\n<p>This underscores why the frozen assets are a key demand in the ongoing negotiations.<\/p>\n<p>The US has long used sanctions to impede Iran\u2019s access to its foreign exchange reserves, but there have also been multiple instances when the country was given partial access to frozen assets.<\/p>\n<p>For example, after reaching an interim nuclear deal in 2014 with the US, Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, Iran was allowed to repatriate $4.2 billion (\u20ac3.6bn) in oil revenues held abroad.<\/p>\n<p>In 2015, the same countries finalised the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in which Iran agreed to significantly reduce its nuclear programme, allow foreign observers to inspect its nuclear sites and, in exchange, regained access to more than $100 billion (\u20ac86.5bn) in frozen assets.<\/p>\n<p>However, during his first term in 2018, US President Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA and reimposed wide-ranging US sanctions, effectively re-freezing Iran\u2019s assets abroad.<\/p>\n<p>Trump will now have to consider changing his stance on the issue as US officials head into further negotiations with Iran in Islamabad on Friday.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Reports of Iran closing Strait of Hormuz &#8216;completely unacceptable,&#8217; White House says<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Iran raises minimum wage by 60% as war and sanctions decimate household budgets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Which countries hold Iran\u2019s assets?<\/h2>\n<p>Reports over the years suggest that significant Iranian reserves are held in South Korea and Japan which historically are major customers of Iran\u2019s oil exports.<\/p>\n<p>According to the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, oil buyers in countries such as Singapore and the UAE have sent transfers \u201cpotentially linked to sanctioned Iranian oil to entities potentially controlled by Iran, specifically other oil companies based in the UAE and likely shell companies based in Hong Kong.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Central Bank of Iran also reportedly maintains accounts in several other countries, including China, Germany, India and Turkey.<\/p>\n<p>In the ongoing war, following Iranian strikes on Gulf states, Trump remarked he was surprised Iran would hit the countries managing its wealth abroad, stating, &#8220;That&#8217;s strange, you know? The UAE is like the banker for Iran. They\u2019re sort of the banker.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Depending on each of the respective countries holding them, it remains unclear if the assets are partially, fully or even frozen at all, as they maintain varying levels of coordination with the US on the issue of Iranian sanctions.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/56\/24\/808x539_cmsv2_f162c45c-d748-5509-916d-3798c47ccd59-9715624.jpg\" alt=\"US President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters in the Oval Office, 31 Mar. 2026\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">US President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters in the Oval Office, 31 Mar. 2026<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo\/Alex Brandon<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Since the reimposition of US secondary sanctions in 2018, Iranian diplomacy has focused in large part on bilateral negotiations with these countries to seek the release of funds.<\/p>\n<p>The most recent major transfer came in September 2023, when around $6 billion (\u20ac5.1bn) in Iranian oil revenues, frozen in South Korean banks since 2019, were moved to restricted accounts in Qatar under a US sanctions waiver tied to a prisoner exchange.<\/p>\n<p>Iran could only conditionally access these funds for humanitarian purchases such as food and medicine, and with strict US oversight.<\/p>\n<p>They were subsequently blocked again following the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023 due to Iranian funding of the terrorist organisation.<\/p>\n<h2>A problem since the revolution<\/h2>\n<p>Following the overthrow of the Western-aligned government of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1979 and the capture of US citizens during the Iran Hostage Crisis, US President Jimmy Carter froze the formerly freely traded assets of Iran.<\/p>\n<p>During the over 400-day crisis, 66 Americans including diplomats and civilian personnel were taken hostage in the US embassy \u2014 an incident widely thought to have ultimately derailed the slim possibility of a close relationship between the new regime in Tehran and Washington.<\/p>\n<p>Under Executive Order 12170, signed in November 1979, Carter froze approximately $12 billion (\u20ac10.3bn) of Iranian government deposits, gold and other property held in US banks and their overseas branches, according to the US Treasury&#8217;s Office of Foreign Assets Control. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/56\/24\/808x539_cmsv2_45575f9a-bd22-5e57-9329-a341c2810b95-9715624.jpg\" alt=\"US President Jimmy Carter toasts Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran during a New Year's Eve dinner at Niavaran Palace in Tehran, Dec. 1977\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">US President Jimmy Carter toasts Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran during a New Year&#8217;s Eve dinner at Niavaran Palace in Tehran, Dec. 1977<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The assets were partially unfrozen in January 1981 under the Algiers Accords, which ended the hostage crisis. <\/p>\n<p>Iran paid off around $3.7 billion (\u20ac3.1bn) in loans to US banks, with a further $1.4 billion (\u20ac1.19bn) placed in escrow at The Hague to settle outstanding commercial claims, and roughly $2.9 billion (\u20ac2.48bn) returned to Tehran outright. <\/p>\n<p>An Iran-US Claims Tribunal established under the accords continues to operate at The Hague to this day.<\/p>\n<h2>Iranian assets continue to be far from reach<\/h2>\n<p>Decades of subsequent sanctions in response to Iran&#8217;s nuclear programme, ballistic missile development and its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism expanded the total pool of frozen assets far beyond the original freeze. <\/p>\n<p>In the past, any discussion of releasing funds was usually followed by Western criticism about the funds being used for nuclear proliferation and weapons purchases.<\/p>\n<p>As the negotiating teams head to Islamabad on Friday, Iran\u2019s assets will be a key point of discussion. <\/p>\n<p>Whether the US will be willing to unfreeze funds, exactly how much, from which countries and under which conditions, remains to be seen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                          Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884807-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884807\" data-cid=\"9715322\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884807-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/53\/22\/480x270_cmsv2_48258492-7703-5650-b234-e53ac000c125-9715322.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, 12 March 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Markets<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil pushes past $97 again as markets eye ceasefire doubts<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884616-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884616\" data-cid=\"9714382\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884616-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/69\/16\/84\/480x270_cmsv2_112abe6e-7eb5-53a2-971e-0c02f7273928-9691684.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Liberia-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax, carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia, that arrived clearing the Strait of Hormuz.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greek and Liberian-flagged ships first to pass Hormuz since ceasefire<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884580-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884580\" data-cid=\"9714244\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884580-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/42\/44\/480x270_cmsv2_0824e775-43d5-5b72-a662-19ced38161a0-9714244.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Indian flagged LPG carrier Jag Vasant transporting LNG at the Mumbai Port after it arrived clearing the Strait of Hormuz, India, 1 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Shipping companies seek clarity on Strait of Hormuz reopening<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    US-Israel attack on Iran 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Iran war<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Iran sanctions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Donald Trump<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    US Department of the Treasury<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884925-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884925\" data-cid=\"9715923\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884925-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/59\/23\/320x180_cmsv2_6b74d474-6b82-59df-bde8-a50826f5fd92-9715923.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE. Advertisement by Polymarket in New York City, Nov. 4 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Newly-made Polymarket accounts won massively on US-Iran ceasefire bets<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884926-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884926\" data-cid=\"9715928\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884926-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/59\/28\/320x180_cmsv2_f05a629d-47f8-5ecf-951e-45664f32ad67-9715928.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Two traditional dhows sail by a large container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, 19 May 2023\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Confusion reigns over Hormuz reopening as Iran issues new conditions<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2883949-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2883949\" data-cid=\"9711252\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2883949-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/12\/52\/320x180_cmsv2_1c075f9b-2023-591e-a7bf-f93bb41a3082-9711252.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Gas prices are displayed at a patrol station in Munich, Germany, Saturday, 4 April 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why Europe\u2019s energy prices could stay high even if the Iran war ends<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884034-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884034\" data-cid=\"9713985\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884034-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/14\/44\/320x180_cmsv2_f72c8ab1-5389-5076-a305-855ac3c936df-9711444.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Pastor Alvaro Esteban cures cheese in Los Cortijos, Ciudad Real, on Friday 10 October 2025.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain&#8217;s warning to the West: Close your borders, wreck your economy<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884807-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884807\" data-cid=\"9715322\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884807-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/53\/22\/320x180_cmsv2_48258492-7703-5650-b234-e53ac000c125-9715322.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, 12 March 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil pushes past $97 again as markets eye ceasefire doubts<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884086-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884086\" data-cid=\"9711850\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Which were Europe&#8217;s richest and poorest countries in 2025?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884368-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884368\" data-cid=\"9713129\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Gas discovery off Egypt&#8217;s coast comes at critical moment for Iran war<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2883949-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2883949\" data-cid=\"9711252\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why Europe\u2019s energy prices could stay high even if the Iran war ends<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884580-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884580\" data-cid=\"9714244\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Shipping companies seek clarity on Strait of Hormuz reopening<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884034-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884034\" data-cid=\"9713985\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain&#8217;s warning to the West: Close your borders, wreck your economy<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884807-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884807\" data-cid=\"9715322\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884807-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/53\/22\/480x270_cmsv2_48258492-7703-5650-b234-e53ac000c125-9715322.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, 12 March 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Markets<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil pushes past $97 again as markets eye ceasefire doubts<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884616-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884616\" data-cid=\"9714382\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884616-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/69\/16\/84\/480x270_cmsv2_112abe6e-7eb5-53a2-971e-0c02f7273928-9691684.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Liberia-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax, carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia, that arrived clearing the Strait of Hormuz.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Greek and Liberian-flagged ships first to pass Hormuz since ceasefire<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884580-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884580\" data-cid=\"9714244\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884580-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/42\/44\/480x270_cmsv2_0824e775-43d5-5b72-a662-19ced38161a0-9714244.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Indian flagged LPG carrier Jag Vasant transporting LNG at the Mumbai Port after it arrived clearing the Strait of Hormuz, India, 1 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Shipping companies seek clarity on Strait of Hormuz reopening<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884925-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884925\" data-cid=\"9715923\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884925-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/59\/23\/320x180_cmsv2_6b74d474-6b82-59df-bde8-a50826f5fd92-9715923.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE. Advertisement by Polymarket in New York City, Nov. 4 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Newly-made Polymarket accounts won massively on US-Iran ceasefire bets<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884926-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884926\" data-cid=\"9715928\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884926-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/59\/28\/320x180_cmsv2_f05a629d-47f8-5ecf-951e-45664f32ad67-9715928.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Two traditional dhows sail by a large container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, 19 May 2023\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Confusion reigns over Hormuz reopening as Iran issues new conditions<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2883949-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2883949\" data-cid=\"9711252\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2883949-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/12\/52\/320x180_cmsv2_1c075f9b-2023-591e-a7bf-f93bb41a3082-9711252.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Gas prices are displayed at a patrol station in Munich, Germany, Saturday, 4 April 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why Europe\u2019s energy prices could stay high even if the Iran war ends<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884034-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884034\" data-cid=\"9713985\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884034-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/14\/44\/320x180_cmsv2_f72c8ab1-5389-5076-a305-855ac3c936df-9711444.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Pastor Alvaro Esteban cures cheese in Los Cortijos, Ciudad Real, on Friday 10 October 2025.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain&#8217;s warning to the West: Close your borders, wreck your economy<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884807-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884807\" data-cid=\"9715322\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884807-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/53\/22\/320x180_cmsv2_48258492-7703-5650-b234-e53ac000c125-9715322.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, 12 March 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil pushes past $97 again as markets eye ceasefire doubts<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884086-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884086\" data-cid=\"9711850\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Which were Europe&#8217;s richest and poorest countries in 2025?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884368-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884368\" data-cid=\"9713129\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Gas discovery off Egypt&#8217;s coast comes at critical moment for Iran war<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2883949-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2883949\" data-cid=\"9711252\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why Europe\u2019s energy prices could stay high even if the Iran war ends<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884580-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884580\" data-cid=\"9714244\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Shipping companies seek clarity on Strait of Hormuz reopening<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884034-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884034\" data-cid=\"9713985\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain&#8217;s warning to the West: Close your borders, wreck your economy<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">While the specific details of an Iran-US ceasefire agreement \u2014 or even a long-term deal \u2014 seem very much up in the air, a key demand from Tehran will likely be the return of Iranian assets frozen abroad.Both current reporting on the ongoing negotiations as well as a history of conditioning their approval with the release of funds stashed overseas suggest this demand will come on top of a broader request for the US to lift all primary and secondary sanctions imposed on Iran.The exact value of Iran\u2019s frozen assets is unclear, but several estimates place the total over $100 billion (\u20ac86.5bn).In the past, the Tehran regime set up foreign currency accounts with major global banks to maintain reserves to back the value of Iran\u2019s official currency, the rial.Successive sanctions packages blocked the regime\u2019s access to these funds, often sending the rial into a tailspin and preventing Iranian companies, which purchase goods and services from foreign suppliers, from settling in euros, yen or other currencies.So important is the access to foreign currencies that during a congressional hearing in February, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent went as far as to admit that the US purposely caused a dollar shortage in Iran as a catalyst for protests.\u201cWe created a dollar shortage in the country &#8230; with a grand culmination in December when one of the largest banks in Iran went under, there was a run on the bank, the central bank had to print money, the Iranian currency went into free fall, inflation exploded and hence we have seen the Iranian people out on the street,&#8221; Bessent stated.Before the war broke out, Iran was already in a full-blown economic emergency. The Statistical Centre of Iran put year-on-year inflation at 68.1% in February \u2014 the highest since World War II \u2014 while the Central Bank of Iran reported a slightly lower rate of 62.2%.This underscores why the frozen assets are a key demand in the ongoing negotiations.The US has long used sanctions to impede Iran\u2019s access to its foreign exchange reserves, but there have also been multiple instances when the country was given partial access to frozen assets.For example, after reaching an interim nuclear deal in 2014 with the US, Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, Iran was allowed to repatriate $4.2 billion (\u20ac3.6bn) in oil revenues held abroad.In 2015, the same countries finalised the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in which Iran agreed to significantly reduce its nuclear programme, allow foreign observers to inspect its nuclear sites and, in exchange, regained access to more than $100 billion (\u20ac86.5bn) in frozen assets.However, during his first term in 2018, US President Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA and reimposed wide-ranging US sanctions, effectively re-freezing Iran\u2019s assets abroad.Trump will now have to consider changing his stance on the issue as US officials head into further negotiations with Iran in Islamabad on Friday.Which countries hold Iran\u2019s assets?Reports over the years suggest that significant Iranian reserves are held in South Korea and Japan which historically are major customers of Iran\u2019s oil exports.According to the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, oil buyers in countries such as Singapore and the UAE have sent transfers \u201cpotentially linked to sanctioned Iranian oil to entities potentially controlled by Iran, specifically other oil companies based in the UAE and likely shell companies based in Hong Kong.\u201dThe Central Bank of Iran also reportedly maintains accounts in several other countries, including China, Germany, India and Turkey.In the ongoing war, following Iranian strikes on Gulf states, Trump remarked he was surprised Iran would hit the countries managing its wealth abroad, stating, &#8220;That&#8217;s strange, you know? The UAE is like the banker for Iran. They\u2019re sort of the banker.\u201dDepending on each of the respective countries holding them, it remains unclear if the assets are partially, fully or even frozen at all, as they maintain varying levels of coordination with the US on the issue of Iranian sanctions.Since the reimposition of US secondary sanctions in 2018, Iranian diplomacy has focused in large part on bilateral negotiations with these countries to seek the release of funds.The most recent major transfer came in September 2023, when around $6 billion (\u20ac5.1bn) in Iranian oil revenues, frozen in South Korean banks since 2019, were moved to restricted accounts in Qatar under a US sanctions waiver tied to a prisoner exchange.Iran could only conditionally access these funds for humanitarian purchases such as food and medicine, and with strict US oversight.They were subsequently blocked again following the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023 due to Iranian funding of the terrorist organisation.A problem since the revolutionFollowing the overthrow of the Western-aligned government of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1979 and the capture of US citizens during the Iran Hostage Crisis, US President Jimmy Carter froze the formerly freely traded assets of Iran.During the over 400-day crisis, 66 Americans including diplomats and civilian personnel were taken hostage in the US embassy \u2014 an incident widely thought to have ultimately derailed the slim possibility of a close relationship between the new regime in Tehran and Washington.Under Executive Order 12170, signed in November 1979, Carter froze approximately $12 billion (\u20ac10.3bn) of Iranian government deposits, gold and other property held in US banks and their overseas branches, according to the US Treasury&#8217;s Office of Foreign Assets Control.\u00a0The assets were partially unfrozen in January 1981 under the Algiers Accords, which ended the hostage crisis.\u00a0Iran paid off around $3.7 billion (\u20ac3.1bn) in loans to US banks, with a further $1.4 billion (\u20ac1.19bn) placed in escrow at The Hague to settle outstanding commercial claims, and roughly $2.9 billion (\u20ac2.48bn) returned to Tehran outright.\u00a0An Iran-US Claims Tribunal established under the accords continues to operate at The Hague to this day.Iranian assets continue to be far from reachDecades of subsequent sanctions in response to Iran&#8217;s nuclear programme, ballistic missile development and its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism expanded the total pool of frozen assets far beyond the original freeze.\u00a0In the past, any discussion of releasing funds was usually followed by Western criticism about the funds being used for nuclear proliferation and weapons purchases.As the negotiating teams head to Islamabad on Friday, Iran\u2019s assets will be a key point of discussion.Whether the US will be willing to unfreeze funds, exactly how much, from which countries and under which conditions, remains to be seen.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/2026\/04\/09\/could-billions-in-frozen-iranian-assets-help-the-us-unlock-a-deal&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/56\/24\/1200x675_cmsv2_0cae5fa5-ef6e-5ae4-a7ed-33295621302d-9715624.jpg&#8221;] Germany Germany resumes talks with Iran, Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Lebanon Israel&#8217;s cabinet told &#8216;to begin direct negotiations&#8217; with Lebanon USA Trump again berates NATO, calls it &#8216;disappointing&#8217; Health news Plant-food rich diet may cut dementia risk, study finds Germany Germany resumes talks with Iran, Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Lebanon Israel&#8217;s cabinet [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1874427","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874427","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1874427"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874427\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1874427"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1874427"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1874427"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}