$24 Billion Iranian Cash To Be Freed In 4 Stages? US Deal Tied To Hormuz, Nuke Terms

Published 16 June 2026 · india

$24 Billion Iranian Cash To Be Freed In 4 Stages? US Deal Tied To Hormuz, Nuke Terms Published By, Last Updated: June 16, 2026, 21:14

$24 Billion Iranian Cash To Be Freed In 4 Stages? US Deal Tied To Hormuz, Nuke Terms Published By, Last Updated: June 16, 2026, 21:14 IST The release of funds reportedly include reopening the Strait of Hormuz without charging fees and making progress in upcoming negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme. A man withdraws Iranian Rial notes from an automated teller machine in Tehran. (AFP file photo) Up to $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets could be released in four stages under the agreement between Tehran and Washington, according to a report that has shed light on the framework aimed at ending the war. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported, citing a Pakistani source involved in the talks and another source familiar with the contacts, that the release of the funds would be linked to Iran meeting a series of US demands.

These reportedly include reopening the Strait of Hormuz without charging fees and making progress in upcoming negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. Frozen Assets and Sanctions Relief Few official details of the agreement have been made public so far. However, Iranian media outlets have published what they claim are key elements of the 14-point framework reached between the two sides. According to Iran’s Mehr news agency, the agreement provides for the gradual release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets during a 60-day negotiation period. The report said half of the funds could be made available before formal talks begin. The framework also reportedly calls for the suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil, petrochemical products and related exports. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has said that full negotiations will begin only after Washington fulfils key commitments, including ending military operations and releasing blocked Iranian funds.

Hormuz and Nuclear Talks The proposed agreement is intended to open the door to 60 days of negotiations on major disputes between the two countries, including Iran’s nuclear activities and long-standing sanctions. One of the most sensitive issues remains the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global energy supplies. US President Donald Trump has said the waterway would be reopened “toll free", while Iranian officials have suggested that certain maritime service fees could still apply under future arrangements. Questions also remain over Iran’s uranium enrichment programme. The two sides have reportedly disagreed sharply over enrichment limits, existing stockpiles and sanctions relief. The full text of the agreement has not yet been released, leaving uncertainty over the exact commitments made by both sides as they move towards formal negotiations. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.