An Israeli official familiar with the matter says Israel is pressing the United States not to release frozen Iranian assets as part of the memorandum of understanding being negotiated with Tehran, CNN reports. The appeal reflects Israeli concerns that unfreezing funds would bolster Iran's economy without sufficient safeguards.
An Israeli official directly involved in the issue told CNN that Jerusalem is actively pressing the Biden administration not to include the release of frozen Iranian assets in the emerging memorandum of understanding with Iran. The request, which the source said has been conveyed in recent days through diplomatic and security channels, reflects Israel's assessment that unfreezing the billions of dollars Iran holds abroad — estimated by Tehran at $24 billion in previous rounds of talks — would provide the regime with a major economic lifeline without adequate restrictions on its nuclear program or regional proxy activities.
As The Zioneer has reported over the past week, the US-Iran negotiations have included discussion of a mechanism for releasing frozen funds, with Iran hardening its stance on June 8 that no deal is possible without immediate unfreezing of assets and sanctions relief. The Israeli opposition to releasing funds during talks comes as Washington and Tehran continue what CNN described as a persistent diplomatic track, even amid ongoing US airstrikes on Iranian military infrastructure. The source did not say whether the US has responded to Israel's request. No further details on the exact amount or timing of the proposed asset release have been confirmed.
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- DevelopingIranian source: US made unacceptable changes to draft MOU, deal impossible without unfrozen funds and sanctions relief
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