Qatar's Foreign Ministry stated that the unfreezing of $24 billion in Iranian assets was discussed during preparations for a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran. Details remain undisclosed until the agreement is officially signed.
US Permanent Representative to the UN Mike Waltz expressed confidence that a deal with Iran would be signed on Sunday, June 14. He stated that the US will not provide upfront cash, emphasizing a 'pay for performance' approach for any unfrozen assets or sanctions relief. Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif also indicated a peace agreement is likely within 24 hours.
Former IRGC chief Mohsen Rezaei claims a secret clause in the US-Iran "Islamabad Memorandum" states that President Trump agreed to release $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, but wishes to keep it undisclosed. Rezaei also criticized US military strategy and alleged US subservience to Israel.
Iranian military adviser Mohsen Rezaee says a US-Iran agreement depends on the US unfreezing $24 billion in Iranian assets, viewed as a trust-building measure, with $12 billion sought upfront and $12 billion later, amid US concerns over losing leverage.
The US conducted defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites and boats, despite an ongoing seven-week ceasefire, as negotiations for a peace deal resumed in Qatar, with Iran seeking frozen asset release and the US pushing for nuclear concessions.
An Iranian delegation, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Qatar for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. Discussions are expected to focus on the Strait of Hormuz and frozen assets, with reports suggesting a potential release of funds in exchange for easing restrictions.
As a US-Iran ceasefire MOU nears completion, the release of Iran's frozen assets has become a major sticking point. Iran insists on immediate release upon MOU agreement, while the US links it to conditions like the Strait of Hormuz reopening and nuclear compliance.
Iranian Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati visited Qatar to discuss the release of frozen Iranian assets. This follows a Qatari delegation's visit to Tehran last week, where similar discussions took place.
Iran is demanding the immediate release of $12 billion in frozen assets held in Qatar as a precondition for resuming negotiations with the US, according to Iran International. Tehran seeks the initial tranche to begin diplomatic talks, with a broader goal of unfreezing all its global assets.
Oil prices dropped over 5% to below $100/barrel on Monday, driven by optimism for a US-Iran deal. WTI Crude fell to $92.41 and Brent to $99.49. Despite positive market sentiment, President Trump tempered expectations of an imminent breakthrough.
US officials express caution regarding a potential agreement with Iran to end the conflict, warning negotiations are incomplete and the deal could collapse. While a broad framework is emerging, details on enriched uranium and frozen assets remain contentious, with approval from Iran's leadership pending.
Iran has proposed opening the Strait of Hormuz to the US in exchange for compensation, according to Al Arabiya citing diplomatic sources. Pakistan is mediating these indirect negotiations, and Iran also wants to discuss sanctions and frozen assets.
Volo, a liquid staking DeFi protocol on the Sui blockchain, disclosed a security breach resulting in approximately $3.5 million in losses affecting three isolated vaults containing WBTC, Matrixdock Gold XAUm, and USDC. The team immediately notified the Sui Foundation, froze affected vaults, and has recovered roughly $2 million of stolen funds. Volo plans to absorb losses rather than pass them to users, while $28 million in other vaults remains safe.
