TEHRAN — Iran has rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that unfrozen Iranian assets must be used to purchase American agricultural products, escalating tensions over interpretations of ongoing financial and diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that the country’s previously frozen funds are now accessible and that Tehran will independently decide how the money is used.
“Iran’s frozen funds are accessible so that Iran can freely use them as needed,” the ministry said, directly challenging Trump’s comments.
Trump had earlier suggested that the released funds would effectively be redirected into the U.S. economy through purchases of American farm products, a claim now disputed by Iranian officials.
The conflicting statements highlight a key point of disagreement in broader discussions between the two sides, with each presenting different interpretations of the terms surrounding the release and use of Iranian financial assets.
Analysts say the dispute underscores ongoing mistrust between Washington and Tehran, even as diplomatic contacts continue in an effort to manage tensions and prevent further escalation.
