Iran Says Tehran Alone Will Decide How to Use Unfrozen Assets

 Iran Says Tehran Alone Will Decide How to Use Unfrozen Assets

June 23, 2026

Iran has firmly stated that it will independently decide how to spend billions of dollars in previously frozen assets that could soon become accessible under ongoing diplomatic arrangements with the United States.

The statement comes amid renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at easing tensions and exploring broader economic cooperation. Iranian officials pushed back against suggestions from American leaders that the funds would be limited to specific purchases, including agricultural products from the United States.

Speaking on behalf of the Iranian government, officials emphasized that the released assets belong to the Iranian people and that no foreign government has the authority to determine how the money is used. Tehran described the funds as sovereign assets and insisted that decisions regarding spending priorities would be made solely by Iranian authorities.

The disagreement emerged after comments from U.S. officials indicating that some of the released funds could be directed toward purchasing American farm products. Iran quickly rejected the idea that any such conditions had been accepted, stressing that access to its frozen assets should not come with restrictions on how the money is spent.

Diplomatic talks between the two countries have intensified in recent weeks following high-level meetings in Switzerland. Negotiators have reportedly made progress on several issues, including sanctions relief and financial access, though major differences remain over implementation and oversight mechanisms.

According to reports, approximately $12 billion in Iranian funds 

could become available in the near term if current understandings move forward. Larger amounts could potentially be released under future agreements, making the issue one of the most significant economic developments for Iran in recent years.

Iranian representatives argue that the release of frozen assets is not a concession but the restoration of money that rightfully belongs to the country. Officials maintain that the funds are needed to strengthen the economy, support development projects, and address domestic priorities after years of sanctions and financial restrictions.

The issue of frozen Iranian assets has been a central point of contention in relations between Tehran and Washington for decades. Billions of dollars have remained inaccessible due to sanctions, banking restrictions, and international disputes, creating a major obstacle in diplomatic negotiations.

Despite signs of progress, analysts caution that the dispute over control of the funds illustrates the deep mistrust that still exists between the two governments. While both sides have expressed interest in reducing tensions, disagreements over sanctions, economic conditions, and regional security continue to complicate efforts toward a comprehensive agreement.

For now, Tehran's message is unequivocal: once the assets are released, Iran alone will decide how they are used. The coming weeks are expected to reveal whether ongoing negotiations can bridge remaining differences and pave the way for a broader diplomatic breakthrough.

Photo: Iranian officials and diplomats during recent discussions on sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian assets.