Abu Dhabi (TDI): The United Arab Emirates has denied media reports claiming it agreed to release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, describing the allegations as “entirely false and unfounded”.
In a statement issued early Saturday, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejected reports suggesting that up to $20 billion in Iranian funds had been unlocked, including claims that an initial tranche of $3 billion had already been transferred.
“The allegations are entirely false and unfounded,” the ministry said, stressing that no frozen Iranian assets had been released, transferred or facilitated through the UAE.
The denial came after a Reuters report, citing multiple sources, claimed Abu Dhabi had agreed to unlock billions of dollars for Tehran as part of efforts to ease tensions following weeks of Iranian attacks on the Gulf state during the recent US-Israel-Iran conflict.
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According to the report, two regional sources said the UAE had agreed to release around $10 billion, while two other sources familiar with the matter put the figure at $20 billion. Some sources alleged that an initial $3 billion had already been made available.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the claims or determine whether the funds originated from frozen Iranian accounts in the UAE or from other sources.
The reported arrangement surfaced as Tehran and Washington enter the final stages of negotiations on a broader agreement aimed at ending the conflict and addressing issues including sanctions relief, frozen assets and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
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In Washington, US Vice President JD Vance said on Friday that no funds would be released to Iran simply in exchange for signing a deal with the United States. He added that any future economic benefits for Tehran would be linked to compliance with the terms of a potential agreement.
Iranian authorities did not immediately comment on the reports. The issue of frozen Iranian assets has emerged repeatedly during recent diplomatic efforts. In April, a senior Iranian source claimed that Washington had agreed to release Iranian funds held in Qatar and other foreign banks, although US officials quickly denied the assertion.
The latest reports come amid ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, with both sides signalling that a broader framework agreement could be finalised in the coming days.
