Iran said it expects the release of $12 billion in previously frozen assets ahead of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Gulf tour. The development comes as Tehran and Washington continue negotiations following recent diplomatic progress.
Iranian officials said the funds would be released as part of ongoing discussions between the two countries. Both sides have also indicated progress toward formally concluding their conflict through diplomatic engagement.
Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi as saying the assets would be released in two separate installments. He stated that each tranche would amount to $6 billion.
The anticipated release of the funds marks another step in efforts to improve relations between Iran and the United States. Moreover, both governments have recently signaled a willingness to advance negotiations after reaching a broader understanding.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to arrive in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. His visit forms part of a wider Gulf tour aimed at strengthening ties with regional allies.
According to the report, Washington intends to reassure its Gulf partners that last week’s agreement with Iran will improve regional security. In addition, US officials hope the deal will create new economic opportunities for countries across the region.
The reported asset release follows months of diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington. Although both sides continue to address outstanding issues, officials have expressed optimism about the direction of the talks.
Neither government has announced a final timeline for completing the broader agreement. However, the expected release of the frozen assets is viewed as a significant confidence-building measure as negotiations continue.
Rubio’s Gulf visit is expected to focus on regional stability, security cooperation, and the economic implications of the evolving US-Iran relationship. Both Washington and Tehran have signaled their intention to maintain diplomatic momentum in the coming weeks.
