Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf announced on Tuesday that the United States and Iran have officially signed an agreement to release $12 billion of Tehran’s frozen assets. This development represents a significant diplomatic advancement between the two countries, following Washington’s earlier temporary easing of sanctions on Iranian oil exports.
The financial release comes after the recent endorsement of a 60-day roadmap during negotiations held in Switzerland, aimed at steering both nations toward a comprehensive final agreement. Following the talks, a joint statement confirmed the creation of a special committee tasked with overseeing the ongoing diplomatic process.
Addressing the media about the Swiss discussions, Qalibaf highlighted that both parties reached a consensus to uphold Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. In a further effort to reduce tensions in the Middle East, the two sides agreed to implement a new maritime communication and coordination mechanism in the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative is intended to prevent accidental military clashes or conflicts in this strategically vital shipping corridor.
Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department issued a key general license authorizing Iran to temporarily sell crude oil and petroleum products on the global market. This license permits Iran to continue its international petroleum sales until August 21. Despite this temporary relief, certain geopolitical restrictions remain firmly in place. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the ban on purchasing Iranian oil remains strictly enforced concerning North Korea.
