Iran: What's New on the "Prisoners for Cash" Deal?

Tehran has revealed that it requested American assurances for the release of approximately $6 billion of its funds in exchange for the release of five Americans. According to statements from the Iranian Foreign Ministry today, the two sides agreed that the implementation of the agreement would take place away from media statements, emphasizing their commitment to this matter. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani stated, "Our country has reached an understanding with the United States regarding the release of Iranians detained there and the release of frozen assets as well." He added that Tehran "reached an understanding with the Americans regarding the release of Iranians held in Washington and the release of frozen assets within a specific timeframe." Kanani disclosed that Iran has received sufficient guarantees from America and expressed hope that some of the frozen assets would be released during this period. However, he did not specify the timeframe required for the delivery of the funds, noting that the process of transferring those frozen assets in South Korea, amounting to about $6 billion, could take a long time. Additionally, Iran does not prefer to receive the frozen assets in South Korean currency, which is less convertible than euros or US dollars.