‘Ridiculous claim’: Iran rejects US pressure over frozen assets in negotiations

Tehran: Iran has reiterated that the release of its frozen overseas assets remains a central and non-negotiable element in its broader negotiations with the United States, according to remarks made by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei during a weekly press conference in Tehran, as reported by ISNA.

Baghaei stated that the issue of frozen funds is not a peripheral matter but an integral component of any potential diplomatic understanding currently under discussion. He added that Tehran will continue to pursue the return of these assets through all available diplomatic and legal avenues.

Iran’s frozen assets largely stem from sanctions imposed over the years, which have restricted Tehran’s access to billions of dollars held in foreign banks. These funds have been a recurring point of contention in Iran–US relations, particularly during and after negotiations related to Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief discussions.

Tehran rejects US claims, calls them ‘propaganda pressure’

Responding to media reports suggesting that the United States may seek to redirect or withhold Iranian assets as part of any potential agreement, Baghaei dismissed the claims, describing them as part of what he called “propaganda pressure” aimed at influencing negotiations.

He said such reports are not credible and form part of broader information and political pressure campaigns against Iran during sensitive diplomatic discussions. According to him, these narratives are intended to shape perceptions of the negotiations rather than reflect their actual substance.

Baghaei characterised these claims as “ridiculous”, reinforcing Iran’s position that its financial assets cannot be subject to unilateral redistribution or conditions imposed outside agreed diplomatic frameworks.

‘Never going to be appeasement’: Iran signals hardline negotiating position

In one of his strongest statements during the briefing, Baghaei said there would be “never going to be any appeasement from Iran” on the issue of frozen assets. He stressed that Iran would continue to insist on its financial claims as part of any negotiated settlement.

The remarks underline Tehran’s firm negotiating posture amid ongoing indirect contacts with Washington. Iranian officials have consistently argued that sanctions-related financial restrictions and asset freezes must be addressed as part of any comprehensive agreement covering nuclear and regional issues.

Diplomatic analysts note that Iran’s insistence on asset release reflects both economic pressure at home and a strategic attempt to secure tangible concessions in any future deal with the United States.

Despite the tough rhetoric, Iranian officials confirmed that communication channels with the United States have not been fully interrupted. Baghaei said exchanges of messages between the two sides have continued, indicating that indirect diplomacy remains active even during periods of heightened regional tension.

He also referenced the recent visit of Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to Tehran, stating that the trip contributed to maintaining dialogue and facilitating mediation efforts. Pakistan has historically played a limited but occasional role as a communication facilitator between regional actors.

Regional escalation complicates diplomatic environment

The latest comments come against the backdrop of intensified instability in West Asia, where military exchanges between regional actors have escalated in recent days. Reports indicate strikes and counter-strikes involving multiple parties, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict.

The escalation has added pressure on already fragile diplomatic efforts involving Iran and the United States, particularly as discussions reportedly continue on nuclear-related issues and sanctions relief mechanisms.

Observers suggest that rising tensions may further complicate negotiations, as both sides attempt to maintain dialogue while simultaneously responding to security developments on the ground.

Outlook for negotiations remains uncertain

While Iran continues to insist that frozen assets are a core requirement in any agreement, the broader diplomatic process remains uncertain. The combination of sanctions-related disputes, regional security tensions, and competing political narratives has made progress slow and complex.

Nevertheless, the continuation of indirect communication suggests that neither side has fully abandoned diplomatic engagement, even as rhetoric intensifies and positions harden on key issues such as financial assets and sanctions relief.