Key facts
- Qatari negotiators mediated talks in Tehran between Iran and the U.S. concerning an interim deal.
- Discussions focused on releasing frozen Iranian funds, with Iran seeking $6-12 billion.
- The U.S. proposed staged releases of funds for humanitarian goods, rejecting outright return to Iran.
- Sources indicated a political understanding was reached, but detailed discussions on fund release mechanisms are ongoing.
- Iran's priority is unlocking frozen assets to ease economic pressure and end the current confrontation.
Intensified efforts are underway to reach an interim deal between Iran and the U.S. to de-escalate hostilities, with Qatari negotiators mediating discussions in Tehran. The core of the talks revolves around the release of frozen Iranian funds, with Iran seeking $6 billion to $12 billion of its oil revenues. The U.S. has proposed a staged release of these funds specifically for humanitarian goods, rejecting their direct return to Iran. Sources indicate a political understanding has been achieved, but specific mechanisms for the fund release and other details are still under discussion. For Iran's clerical establishment, the immediate priority is to unlock these frozen assets to alleviate economic pressure and create breathing space, rather than pursuing a comprehensive settlement. Tehran has denied claims by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding direct contact with Iranian officials about halting strikes. The ongoing confrontation includes mutual pressure via Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. blockades on Iranian ports, driving up economic costs for both sides. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while war is not in Iran's interest, the country will not surrender to U.S. aggression.