TEHRAN/WASHINGTON (MNN); Iran’s state media reported on Saturday that a proposed memorandum of understanding with the United States includes a provision allowing Tehran access to $12 billion in frozen assets, as diplomatic efforts to secure a longer-term ceasefire between the two countries continue amid ongoing tensions across the region.
According to Iranian state television, citing what it described as an “unofficial” draft of the proposed agreement, Washington has pledged to grant Iran full access to $12bn of its overseas assets within 60 days. The report said the funds would be transferred through banks chosen by Iran and could be spent without restrictions.
“The United States has pledged to provide Iran with full access to $12 billion of its assets within 60 days, so that these resources can be transferred and spent in banks of Iran’s desired destination without restrictions,” the report said.
The latest report comes amid conflicting accounts from both sides regarding the shape and terms of any possible agreement aimed at preventing further escalation after months of war and regional instability.
On Friday, Donald Trump outlined his own description of a potential deal, but insisted that “no money will be exchanged until further notice,” a claim later disputed by Iranian media citing informed sources.
Earlier this week, the White House had also dismissed a similar report aired by Iranian state television as “fabricated”.
The negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of fragile ceasefire arrangements between Washington and Tehran, with both sides publicly signalling progress while continuing to dispute key terms.
Meanwhile, Iran issued a fresh warning regarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital oil shipping routes.
Iran’s Khatam al Anbiya Central Headquarters said all commercial ships, tankers and vessels passing through the strait must comply with Iranian regulations or face consequences.
“The management of the Strait of Hormuz is exercised with full authority by the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the statement said, adding that all vessels must move through designated routes and receive permission from the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iranian authorities further claimed that at least 20 vessels had passed safely through the strait over the past 24 hours in coordination with Iranian forces.
In Washington, President Trump held a high-level meeting in the White House Situation Room with senior aides on Saturday to discuss the proposed agreement. However, according to reports, the meeting ended without a final decision.
US officials said discussions continued for nearly two hours, but the president chose to postpone a formal decision on the agreement.
A White House official told AFP that Trump would only approve a deal if it met all US conditions.
“President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines,” the official said, reiterating Washington’s longstanding demand that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon.
US officials say unresolved issues remain around Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, future enrichment activity and monitoring mechanisms.
Despite the lack of a final breakthrough, both US and Iranian officials have continued to describe the negotiations as active, with diplomatic channels remaining open.
Separately, Pete Hegseth praised Pakistan’s role in regional diplomacy and efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking on Saturday, the US defence secretary described Pakistan as “a true friend of the United States” and commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for what he called an “outstanding” contribution to ongoing peace efforts.
The latest developments underscore both the progress and uncertainty surrounding negotiations between Washington and Tehran, with regional stability, maritime security and Iran’s nuclear programme remaining at the centre of discussions.
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