After nearly three months of war, the United States and Iran have agreed to a framework for a peace deal. However, despite this progress, the release of Iranian frozen assets remains a sticking point between the two nations.
Mehr news agency reported that Washington would release $12 billion in frozen assets to Tehran before the start of negotiations, but US officials have denied this claim.
Citing a 14-point 'memorandum of understanding' between the US and Iran, the agency stated that the remaining frozen assets, which amount to nearly $24 billion, will be released during the 60-day negotiation period.
The emerging deal is expected to include the phased lifting of sanctions on Iran and the release of frozen Iranian assets, but the amount is yet to be confirmed.
The Trump administration has previously stated that any release of Iranian funds will occur only after Tehran fulfils certain conditions under the deal.
The next phase of negotiations will focus on lifting sanctions on Iran, which have harmed its economy for years.
