US Considers Unfreezing $20 Billion in Iranian Assets Amid Nuclear Negotiations

Negotiations Between the US and Iran

Reports indicate that the United States is contemplating the unfreezing of $20 billion in Iranian assets in exchange for Iran's enriched uranium stockpile. This information comes from Axios, which cited two US officials, and emerges just before a potential second round of discussions in Islamabad, Pakistan. The two nations are working on a three-page agreement aimed at resolving ongoing tensions.

According to the report, the Trump administration is focused on preventing Iran from accessing its nearly 2,000 kg of enriched uranium, which is stored in underground facilities. Of this total, 450 kg is enriched to a purity level of 60 percent.

Negotiations are centered on the uranium stockpile and the specifics of the asset unfreezing. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding how Iran might utilize these funds. In a recent call, Trump stated that Iran had consented to all terms, including halting uranium enrichment. He also mentioned on Truth Social that the US would acquire Tehran's nuclear 'dust' without any financial transactions involved in the peace agreement.

Axios further reported that during the initial stages of negotiations, the US was prepared to release $6 billion for Iran to purchase humanitarian supplies, such as food. However, Iran's demand was $27 billion. Currently, both parties are discussing the $20 billion figure. The US has also requested that Iran transfer all its nuclear materials to Washington, to which Iran has agreed to 'down-blend' the materials domestically.

In the previous round of talks, the US sought a 20-year freeze on nuclear enrichment, while Iran proposed a five-year term. The next discussions aim to bridge this gap.

Iran Responds to Trump's Claims: Iran has rejected President Trump's assertion regarding the US acquiring its enriched uranium, labeling it as 'baseless,' according to Mehr News. Tehran described the US president's demands as 'illogical' and 'unreasonable.'

Reports suggest that some progress has been made in the negotiations. President Trump has indicated a reluctance to extend the current 14-day ceasefire with Iran but has hinted at pursuing a permanent resolution to the ongoing conflict.