Summary
Iran has more than $100 billion in assets frozen in banks outside the country due to long-standing US and international sanctions. These frozen funds mainly come from oil sales and other revenues, and are a major issue in ongoing talks between the US and Iran aimed at ending conflict.
Key Facts
- Iran’s assets frozen overseas are estimated to be over $100 billion.
- These assets mainly come from revenues like oil sales that Iran cannot access because of sanctions.
- US and other countries imposed sanctions on Iran starting in 1979, after the Islamic revolution and US embassy hostage crisis.
- Sanctions increased over concerns about Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
- Iranian officials want at least $6 billion of these frozen assets released during ceasefire talks with the US.
- The US government denies agreeing to unfreeze any part of the frozen funds.
- Experts say even if sanctions ended, Iran might only access part of the frozen money due to prior commitments.
- Freezing assets means other countries or courts prevent Iran from using its money held abroad as a punishment or to influence behavior.
