Iranian officials have claimed that the United States agreed to unfreeze 6 billion dollars in Iranian assets ahead of upcoming talks in Islamabad, describing the move as a sign of Washington's 'seriousness' in negotiations. A senior Iranian source said the decision was directly linked to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key issue expected to be discussed.

A United States official denied that any agreement to release the funds had been made. The money, derived from Iranian oil sales to South Korea, was originally frozen in 2018 after sanctions were reimposed and later transferred to Qatari bank accounts under a 2023 prisoner exchange agreement.

Although the funds were initially set to be used for humanitarian purposes such as food and medicine under strict oversight, they were re-frozen following the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas. At the time, United States officials said Iran would not be able to access the money for the foreseeable future and emphasized that Washington retained full authority over the account.