Vice President JD Vance said Monday that frozen Iranian funds would not be released until the United States continues to see progress, while describing a Qatar-assisted inspection mechanism for the fund that could be used to buy U.S. soybeans.
Vance’s comments came after a reporter asked if Iran had already agreed that the frozen funds could be used to buy U.S. soybeans.
vanes replied“Yes, that was something that came up yesterday. We actually asked the Qataris to help us set up mechanisms so that we could make sure the money goes where we want it to go. And they agreed to do that. Obviously, we have a good relationship with them and have a good operational oversight mechanism. But having said that, even with the caveat that it will benefit American farmers and obviously benefit the people of Iran, we both want that. But fundamentally, that money is not going to be frozen. Unless we continue to see progress and this will obviously be a big part of the conversation in the coming days.
Comments follow the release of a Memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, which the White House confirmed to Breitbart News after sharing the full text with reporters. The memorandum said the United States and Iran have “jointly agreed in good faith” to the terms of reference related to the current conflict, sanctions, Iran’s nuclear program, and negotiations toward a final agreement.
The memorandum also states that the United States will make Iran’s frozen or restricted funds and assets fully available for use upon implementation of the MOU. The two countries will mutually agree on procedures for releasing those funds during negotiations, and the text states that such funds, whether held in the origin account or transferred, will be used solely for payment to any ultimate beneficiary designated by the Central Bank of Iran.
