Trump Conditions Release of Iranian Frozen Assets on Interim Deal, Stalling Negotiations

As discussions between Washington and Tehran proceed, informed sources indicate that US President Donald Trump has made the unfreezing of Iranian assets abroad contingent upon Tehran first signing an interim agreement.

According to an informed source speaking to Al Arabiya on Thursday, Trump conveyed to mediators his firm position against releasing the frozen funds prior to the signing of any accord.

The central complication in the ongoing negotiations centers on how to handle the frozen Iranian assets. Proposals under consideration include establishing a dedicated fund into which these assets would be placed, though discussions continue regarding the specific mechanism for releasing portions of the Iranian funds.

In a separate statement, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated that recent rounds of talks with the United States have yielded no substantial breakthroughs in pursuit of a temporary peace agreement, even as the two sides maintain contact. Speaking on Wednesday evening, Araqchi stated through the Iranian Tasnim news agency that "no tangible progress has been made in the negotiation process" with Washington.

These comments from the Iranian side contrasted with signals from President Trump, who suggested the possibility of reaching an agreement by the end of the week.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored that the status of highly enriched uranium remains a critical point in discussions between the two countries, which are proceeding through Pakistani mediation. Rubio emphasized that Tehran has not yet consented to reach a peace agreement.

For several weeks, Iran and the United States have pursued indirect negotiations with the goal of establishing terms to conclude ongoing hostilities. While optimism characterized discussions the previous week, reports emerged that Trump introduced more demanding revisions to the proposal under consideration. Tehran has not yet delivered its formal response to these modifications.

The diplomatic stalemate has coincided with military escalations in recent days, including exchanges of strikes between American and Iranian forces operating in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Iranian forces have targeted Kuwait, with Kuwait International Airport among the sites struck.