The White House confirmed today, Friday, that there will be restrictions on what Iran can do with any funds that may be released under an agreement that led to the release of five Americans and their house arrest in Iran. White House spokesman John Kirby stated that the United States will be "fully aware of the destination of any Iranian funds that may be released." Kirby noted that "essentially, the funds can only be accessed for purchasing food, medicine, and medical equipment that does not have dual military use." He added that there will be a strict process with due diligence and standards applied, with input from the U.S. Treasury Department.
Kirby emphasized that negotiations are ongoing and that "the agreement has not yet been finalized," pointing out that "there will be no barrier" to transferring the restricted account from South Korea to Qatar, where Iran will then be able to access the funds. Meanwhile, the Fars news agency reported that Iran's frozen funds have been deposited in a bank in Switzerland. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that the five Americans would be allowed to leave Iran after the release of the Iranian funds.
In addition, the Wall Street Journal reported today that people familiar with the matter indicated that Iran has significantly slowed its pace of accumulating uranium enriched to levels close to those needed for weapons and has reduced some of its stockpile. Kirby stated that he could not confirm this report but noted that "any steps Iran might take to slow the pace of enrichment would certainly be welcomed." He added, "We are not in serious negotiations regarding the nuclear program. But such steps would certainly, if true, be welcomed."
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated since former President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program. Negotiations between the Biden administration and Iran to resume the agreement have failed. Iran denies seeking to possess nuclear weapons.
