President Donald Trump confirmed Tuesday that his administration intends to unfreeze Iranian assets as part of the emerging agreement to end the U.S.-Iran conflict, a move that could ultimately provide Tehran access to assets and economic benefits valued at up to $100 billion, according to reports on the developing deal.
Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 summit, Trump acknowledged that the administration plans to release frozen Iranian assets as part of a broader settlement aimed at ending the conflict and reopening economic ties with Iran under specified conditions.
The New York Post reported that the broader package being negotiated could ultimately yield benefits approaching $100 billion for Iran's regime through a combination of released assets, sanctions relief, and renewed economic activity, though the exact amount that would become available immediately remains unclear.
Administration officials have pushed back on suggestions that Iran would receive a massive upfront payment simply for agreeing to the deal.
Vice President JD Vance said last week that Iran would not be "getting billions of dollars in cash and prizes just for showing up at the negotiating table" and argued that any economic benefits would be contingent on Tehran meeting its obligations under the agreement.
Trump has made a similar case, saying sanctions relief and access to frozen assets would be tied to Iranian compliance rather than provided in advance, and indicating that economic benefits could be suspended if Iran violates the agreement's terms.
The reported figure is substantially larger than earlier proposals that contemplated releasing roughly $25 billion in frozen Iranian funds as part of a broader settlement package.
Trump has defended the agreement as a way to secure peace while avoiding a prolonged military conflict.
The developing deal is also expected to include sanctions relief, provisions aimed at keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to international shipping, and mechanisms intended to prevent renewed hostilities between Washington and Tehran.
The proposed release of Iranian funds has become one of the most contentious elements of the agreement.
Several Republican lawmakers and conservative foreign-policy voices have argued that granting Tehran access to billions of dollars could allow the regime to rebuild military capabilities and strengthen its influence throughout the Middle East.
The Associated Press reported last month that some Republicans were concerned the administration could be providing economic relief to a regime that has long supported anti-American proxy groups across the region.
Several Republican Iran hawks, including Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, have publicly expressed skepticism about sanctions relief for Tehran and have argued that any agreement should permanently constrain Iran's ability to rebuild its military and nuclear programs.
The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that some conservatives remain skeptical of the agreement and are particularly concerned that Iran could use newly available funds to rebuild military strength or expand its regional influence.
According to the Journal, Vance has been working to reassure skeptical Republicans as negotiations move toward a final agreement.
Critics have also questioned whether the deal goes far enough in addressing Iran's long-term military capabilities.
Reports on the emerging framework indicate that Iran's enriched uranium stockpile would be subject to international oversight and disposal requirements before broader sanctions relief takes effect, but some lawmakers have argued they want additional details before endorsing the agreement.
The Guardian reported that some Republican lawmakers remain concerned about how the agreement would address Iran's ballistic missile program and prevent future nuclear development.
The New York Post's editorial board argued this week that the agreement appears to provide Iran with significant economic benefits while leaving unresolved questions about Tehran's long-term military and strategic capabilities.
Congress is also pressing for more information.
Lawmakers in both parties have called for Congress to review the agreement before it is finalized, with some arguing that lawmakers should have an opportunity to examine the full text and assess its implications for U.S. national security.
Trump has indicated that additional details will be released once negotiations are completed.
Administration officials have said a formal signing ceremony is expected later this week, though some provisions of the agreement remain under negotiation.