Iran demands immediate return of $12 billion frozen assets for talks

Iran has set the immediate return of $12 billion from its frozen assets as a vital precondition for continuing dialogue with the United States, according to sources cited by the Fars news agency.

"The most important part of the agreement, which [US President Donald] Trump failed to mention, is the immediate return of $12 billion from Iran's frozen assets," the agency quoted a source as saying. "In line with the text of the agreement, this sum must be paid immediately, and until the payment is made, Iran will not enter further talks."

US President Donald Trump said he planned to make the final decision on the future of a potential deal with Iran during a meeting with his advisers later in the day. He noted that the majority of provisions of a draft US-Iranian memorandum of understanding have already been agreed.

The demand comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries over Iran's nuclear program and regional policies. The frozen assets are part of Iran's oil revenues held abroad due to sanctions.

According to the report by Mehr News Agency, the precondition underscores Tehran's insistence on tangible economic benefits before engaging in further negotiations with Washington.