US Denies Agreeing to Unfreeze Iran Assets Ahead of Islamabad Talks

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Islamabad: A senior US official has denied reports that Washington agreed to unfreeze Iran’s overseas assets, even as American and Iranian delegations gathered in Islamabad for crucial talks aimed at ending the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Responding to claims attributed to an unnamed Iranian source, the official told the White House the reports were “false,” adding that “the meetings have not even started yet.”

Earlier, Iranian officials had indicated that any agreement on a permanent end to hostilities must include the release of sanctioned Iranian assets held in countries such as Qatar, along with an end to Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The report claimed the United States had agreed to unfreeze the assets as part of efforts to ensure safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. However, Washington has firmly rejected that assertion.

The development comes as delegations from both sides arrive in Islamabad for negotiations being mediated by Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met US Vice President JD Vance on Saturday, with his office confirming that peace talks have officially commenced.

The issue of frozen assets remains a key sticking point in negotiations, with analysts noting it could be one of the most difficult hurdles to overcome in efforts to secure a lasting agreement.