Iran Claims, US Denies Asset Unfreeze
Analysis based on 20 articles · First reported Apr 11, 2026 · Last updated Apr 12, 2026
The conflicting claims regarding the unfreezing of Iranian assets create uncertainty in global energy markets, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing diplomatic tensions between Iran and the United States could lead to volatility in oil prices and impact investor sentiment towards the Middle East.
A senior Iranian source claimed that the United States had agreed to release $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar and other foreign banks. This move was welcomed by Iran as a sign of seriousness in ongoing talks in Pakistan, with the unfreezing directly linked to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. However, a senior United States official quickly denied these claims, stating that no agreement had been reached and talks had not yet begun. The $6 billion, originally frozen in 2018 due to sanctions reimposed by Donald Trump, was briefly set for release in 2023 as part of a prisoner swap mediated by Qatar. However, the Joe Biden administration re-froze the funds following the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas. The United States maintains that any released funds would be restricted to humanitarian use only, under the oversight of the United States — United States Department of the Treasury.
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