Iran Rejects US Claims on Unfrozen Asset Usage as Negotiations Continue in Switzerland

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has formally rejected claims by US officials that $12 billion in recently unfrozen Iranian funds are designated for the purchase of American agricultural products. Speaking via social media, Ghalibaf dismissed the assertion, emphasizing that Tehran would maintain full autonomy over its assets. This rejection follows statements from US leadership, including President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, suggesting that the funds were intended for imports like wheat and corn to benefit the Iranian population under US oversight in Doha.

The disagreement surfaces amidst a 60-day negotiation period triggered by a preliminary deal to end the conflict that escalated on February 28, 2026. While both nations explore pathways to stabilize energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, the specifics regarding sanctions relief and nuclear inspections remain contentious. Iran’s Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati noted that while the signed memoranda include no such purchase requirements, Iran remains open to trading if prices meet domestic quality and competitiveness standards.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is conducting a regional tour, addressing the Gulf Cooperation Council in Bahrain to reaffirm that Washington’s engagement with Tehran will not compromise the security of regional allies. The US has explicitly guaranteed the Strait of Hormuz will remain toll-free for international shipping. As discussions proceed, the international community remains focused on whether the negotiations can effectively address broader regional stability, including concerns over Iran's missile program and regional proxy influence.