Iran Sets Firm Precondition for U.S. Deal: Asset Unfreezing is Fundamental
In a clear statement outlining Tehran's negotiation stance, a senior Iranian diplomat has declared that the release of frozen funds is a non-negotiable pillar of any future agreement with the United States. The comments shed light on the specific demands Iran would bring to the table.
Immediate Release of Half the Funds Demanded
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, specified a two-phase process for the return of assets. He asserted that upon the signing of any memorandum of understanding, the United States must immediately provide access to no less than 50% of the total frozen Iranian financial resources.
The remaining portion, according to Gharibabadi, should be unfrozen within a strict timeframe of one to two months following the formal signing of the agreement. This establishes a clear and urgent timeline for resolving the financial dispute.
Final Agreement Contingent on Addressing Core Interests
The diplomat emphasized that Iran's national interests are paramount. He stated that Tehran would only consider a draft agreement as final once it comprehensively addresses all of Iran's key concerns and interests. Proposals failing to meet this standard would be deemed unacceptable.
Gharibabadi reinforced the Iranian position by describing the frozen assets as rightfully belonging to Iran and characterizing their current status as "illegal." From Iran's perspective, therefore, their release is not merely a financial matter but a fundamental issue of justice and sovereignty that must be at the heart of any bilateral understanding.
Technical Implementation to Be Negotiated Separately
Beyond the principal agreement on the funds' return, the official noted that the intricate technical and financial mechanisms for the actual transfer would be subject to further negotiation. These operational details are slated for discussion during a 60-day implementation period following the signing of any memorandum.
This delineation between core political commitments and technical execution provides a potential roadmap for diplomacy, while firmly establishing Iran's non-negotiable starting point for talks.