Iran draft agreement with US would free $24bn in frozen assets and include nuclear talks, report says

Reports from Iranian state-affiliated media describe a proposed interim agreement with the United States that would release around $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets while opening a window for renewed talks on Tehran’s nuclear program. The draft, which has not been confirmed by American officials, emerges against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire following recent regional conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the U.S.

Negotiators appear to be testing whether limited sanctions relief could build enough trust to address deeper disputes. President Donald Trump has pushed back on key elements of the Iranian account, underscoring the wide gap between the two sides’ public descriptions of any potential deal.

The Reported Terms of the Draft Agreement

Iranian outlets such as Mehr News Agency outlined a framework that includes the phased release of frozen funds held abroad due to longstanding sanctions. Half of the $24 billion could become available early in the process, with the remainder tied to further steps during negotiations.

The proposal also envisions a 60-day period to discuss Iran’s nuclear activities, alongside measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for shipping and ease certain oil-related restrictions. These elements aim to stabilize the region after months of heightened tensions and direct confrontations.

Frozen Assets and Iran’s Economic Pressures

Iran has accumulated more than $100 billion in assets frozen across global banks, largely as a result of U.S. and international sanctions imposed over its nuclear program and regional activities. Access to even a portion of these funds would provide immediate breathing room for an economy strained by years of isolation and recent conflict damage.

Officials in Tehran have described the release as a basic test of good faith. Iranian adviser Mohsen Rezaei called the $24 billion a necessary step before deeper commitments, reflecting the heavy toll that sanctions continue to exact on ordinary Iranians and the country’s ability to rebuild.

Nuclear Talks in a Limited Timeframe

The draft reportedly sets aside up to 60 days for discussions on Iran’s nuclear program, including its stockpile of enriched uranium and broader enrichment activities. This comes after the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement and subsequent escalation that saw Iran advance its capabilities significantly.

U.S. statements emphasize strict limits on any Iranian path to weapons, while Iranian accounts focus on preserving civilian aspects of the program. Bridging these positions within the short window will test whether both governments can find common ground without immediate major concessions.

Ceasefire Extension and Regional Stability

Any agreement would seek to extend the current pause in hostilities across multiple fronts, including areas involving Iranian-backed groups. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz fully for commercial traffic stands out as a priority, given its critical role in global oil flows.

Progress here could reduce immediate risks to shipping and energy markets. Yet competing claims about troop movements, blockades, and proxy conflicts highlight how much work remains to turn a temporary understanding into lasting calm.

Diverging Accounts From Washington and Tehran

Trump administration officials have rejected significant parts of the Iranian media’s description, insisting that no money would flow without clear Iranian actions on nuclear issues and that the leaked text does not reflect reality. This back-and-forth illustrates the deep mistrust that has defined relations for years.

Despite the public discrepancies, mediators including Qatar continue to facilitate indirect contacts. Whether the gaps can narrow enough for a signed memorandum remains uncertain as both capitals manage domestic expectations and regional alliances.

Potential Path Forward and Lingering Challenges

If the sides move past the current draft stage, the focus would shift to implementation details and verification mechanisms. Success could open doors to broader sanctions relief and economic cooperation, but failure risks renewed escalation in an already volatile region.

Analysts watch closely for signals from key players, including Israel, which has expressed strong opposition to any deal that leaves Iran’s nuclear infrastructure intact. The coming days or weeks will reveal whether this latest effort marks a genuine turning point or another chapter in a long standoff.