Washington/Tehran, June 18 (UNI)
Senior US officials have clarified that Iran will not automatically gain access to frozen assets, sanctions relief, or a multibillion-dollar economic reconstruction package merely by signing the upcoming memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Washington.
The clarification follows the release of the 14-point memorandum on Wednesday, which prompted varying and sometimes contradictory interpretations in both Washington and Tehran.
During a background briefing, US officials emphasized that the MoU is a broad framework designed to facilitate future negotiations rather than a final agreement. As such, it does not commit the United States to providing immediate economic benefits. Any incentives, they said, would be contingent upon Iran’s compliance and measurable progress toward a comprehensive settlement, according to Iran International.
Officials also rejected claims circulating in Iranian media that the agreement would unlock substantial financial gains before a final deal is reached.
Addressing the provision outlining a reconstruction and economic development plan valued at at least $300 billion, they stressed that the text does not obligate Washington to provide post-war funding or direct financial assistance. Instead, the clause establishes a pathway toward potential sanctions relief if Iran fulfills its commitments, potentially encouraging future investment from governments and private-sector entities.
The officials further noted that any sanctions relief would be tied to verifiable advances in addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme. Economic benefits, they said, would be granted only in exchange for meaningful nuclear concessions, including measures related to Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Regarding Iran’s frozen assets, the Trump administration stated that the MoU links any asset release to the implementation of the agreement and progress in broader negotiations. Officials said Tehran had already accepted provisions stipulating that no funds would be released automatically and that access would depend entirely on Iranian compliance and demonstrations of good faith.
While some funds could potentially be made available during the negotiation process, officials stressed that this would occur only if Iran undertakes specific actions requested by Washington.
US officials also dismissed broader interpretations of the memorandum’s provisions concerning the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the agreement focuses on reopening the strategic waterway and restoring commercial shipping rather than creating a broader Gulf security framework.
On military matters, officials said Washington has no immediate plans to reduce its military presence in the region following the signing of the memorandum. Any future adjustments would depend on Iran’s adherence to the agreement and progress in negotiations.
The officials highlighted the importance of direct communication channels established during the conflict between US forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), noting that these channels helped reduce misunderstandings and facilitated diplomatic contacts during and after the conflict.
They also rejected suggestions that nuclear issues had been excluded from the memorandum, pointing out that the text explicitly commits both sides to discussions on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and broader nuclear activities.
The memorandum is expected to be formally signed on Friday, after which negotiations aimed at reaching a final settlement are scheduled to begin.
000
