Tehran – Iran, Mohsen Rezaei, political advisor to Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the Iranian Supreme Leader, said in statements to CNN that any potential agreement between Iran and the United States depends on the release of about $24 billion in Iranian funds frozen abroad.
In light of the continuing tension between the two sides, the importance of this file emerges.
A financial condition within the negotiation process
The advisor explained that the financial issue represents one of the most significant obstacles to reaching a new understanding.
He also indicated that Tehran considers the freezing of these funds part of the economic sanctions that,
in his words, “hinder any real progress” in the negotiations with Washington.
Linking the economy to the political issue
He added that the Iranian side believes any steps toward an agreement must include
practical measures to alleviate economic pressure, primarily the release of frozen assets in several countries.
He emphasized that this constitutes a “test of the United States’ seriousness” in dealing with the Iranian issue.
Continuous communication disruptions
These statements come at a time of stalemate in relations between Washington and Tehran.
Despite intermittent attempts to revive the understandings regarding the Iranian nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions,
disagreements persist concerning the guarantees and mutual conditions between the two sides.
