(SeaPRwire) –
The interim Iran deal signed June 17 is already teetering. Negotiators met in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, but the real battle isn’t nuclear—it’s over billions in frozen funds. Alex Vatanka, a Middle East Institute senior fellow, says this is the first big trust test between Tehran and Washington.
Official statements sound straightforward. The MOU’s commits the US to making frozen funds fully available. Trump told the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains the money isn’t America’s and will be returned. But he warned on Truth Social: Iran gets “not ten cents” during the 60-day talks if it breaks promises. Iran’s President Pezeshkian claims $6B in Qatar will be returned, pointing to Trump’s speech as a win for their rights.
The subtext reveals deeper tensions. Iran’s frozen assets total $100-120B in countries like China, India, Iraq, and South Korea (per WSJ). The initial talks focus on $24-25B as a first tranche. Iran says this will fund roads, airports, and projects for ordinary Iranians. But the US wants controlled access—only for humanitarian purchases like food and medicine. Western intelligence fears funds will go to Hezbollah; Reuters reports Iran already signaled the group about more support if cash flow improves. Vatanka says the real fight isn’t how much—its who controls the spending. Iran wants sovereignty; the US wants leverage to stop proxy funding.
This dispute will make or break the deal. If both sides can’t compromise on control, the interim agreement will fall apart before it even gets off the ground.